Violet Riner Brown, of Orange, passed away peacefully at home with family by her side, and birds singing outside her bedroom window, on March 24, 2025, at the age of 95. Born on May 1, 1929, in Madison County, VA, to Samuel and Mabel Riner, “Vi” was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and faithful friend to many.  

Vi was preceded in death by her husband of more than 60 years, Col. Williams (Bill) Perry Brown; her sisters, Sylvia R. Coleman and Madeline R. Reeves; a brother, Henry S. Riner; and a granddaughter, Erin Williams Fincannon. Vi is survived by her children, Todd R. Brown (Sherri), Terrilyn Brown Fincannon (Dan), Tyler P. Brown (Catherine), and Timothy E. Brown; a sister, Doris R. Boston, and seven grandchildren, Sarah B. Clark (Tommy), Daniel S. Fincannon, III, Kristin J. Brown, Williams B. Fincannon, Tyler P. Brown, Jr., S. Kemper Brown, and Hazel E. Brown; and two great grandchildren, Violet M. Clark and Walter T. Clark.

Vi grew up in Orange County and attended Orange High School. Working at Schaeffer Chevrolet in her 20s and living with Mrs. Annie Grim on East Main Street, a handsome United States Marine, Major Bill Brown at the time, paid a visit to his Aunt Annie one day while in uniform. At the behest of Mrs. Grim, Vi made an “unexpected” appearance causing quite a stir. Bill saw then what we all later saw: the joy in her smile; the excitement and inflection in her voice over the silliest things; and her compassion and love for life. He soon returned to entice her to join him in marriage and they began a lifetime of travel and adventure. Bill and Vi raised their children on and around Marine Corps bases around the continental United States and Hawaii and instilled in them the love of family, faith, and country. After Bill retired from active service in 1974, Vi and Bill settled back in Orange, where they lived the remainder of their days surrounded by relatives on both sides of their families. 

 

Vi was a Sunday School teacher and a long-time active member of Orange Baptist Church, Valerie Payne Circle, a former president of the Woman’s Club of Orange, and a dedicated servant to others through both the Golden Horseshoe Volunteers and as part of a group of singers, the Blue Birds of Happiness, for many years at the Orange County Nursing Home.  

A service will be held for Vi on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Orange Baptist Church, with internment to follow at Graham Cemetery. The family welcomes friends to join them prior to the service starting at 10 a.m. and return for lunch in the church’s Pine Room following the internment.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the mission fund of Orange Baptist Church.