Mrs. Leilani Sue Russell Brown, 68, of Onancock, beloved wife of George Thomas Brown Jr., tragically passed away on Sept. 11, 2023.
Born on Oct. 3, 1954, in Florida, she was the daughter of the late Roy Eugene Russell and the late Helen Margaret Peck. Originally from Wilmington, Del., Leilani was a graduate of the University of Delaware and worked in human resources for DuPont.
Actively involved in the Eastern Shore community, Leilani was a board member for the ESPL, a member and volunteer for the Historical Society, a member of the Beekeepers Guild of the Eastern Shore, a member of the Womens Club of Accomack County, member of the ESYCC, volunteer for Onancock Main Street, and member at Onancock Baptist Church.
She enjoyed genealogy, beekeeping, kayaking, cooking, pickleball, traveling, boating, and being on the water. A vivacious and energetic soul, Leilani had a smile as big as her heart. She was a bright light everywhere she went and was devoted to her husband, family, and friends.
Other than her beloved husband, George, Leilani is survived by former husband, Pat Walker; two sons, Patrick Bram Walker (Kristyn), of Colonial Beach, Va., and James Rhett Walker (Emily), of Charlottesville; a daughter, Amber Deputy (Brent), of Newark, Del.; 12 grandchildren (with two more on the way), Abishai, Chase, Atarah, Tirzah, Benaiah, Raynah, Ar’yel, twins Vaughan and Maclin, Caleb, and twins Kylie and Taylor; and two brothers, Dana Russell (Sandy) and Garth Russell (Jeff).
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 2 p.m. from the Onancock Baptist Church with the Rev. Andy Cobb officiating. The service will be live-streamed on the Onancock Baptist Church Facebook page for those unable to attend in person. Interment will follow in the Fairview Lawn Cemetery in Onancock.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of speaking at the service, friends are encouraged to email remembrances of Leilani, including photos, to [email protected].
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Compassion International or a charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements were by the Thornton Funeral Home in Parksley.
To sign the guest book online, visit www.thorntonfuneralhome.net
