Carol Anne BrownDate published: 4/14/2009Carol Anne Brown of Spotsylvania County died Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009.
She is survived by her parents, Todd and Michelle Brown; her sister, Erin; and her brother, Sean, all of Spotsylvania; her maternal grandparents, Eddie and Patricia Sprouse of Louisa County; and her paternal grandparents, Daniel and Elizabeth Brown of Hilton Head, S.C. She also leaves behind several cousins, Shelby Sprouse, Jack and George Brown and Dylan Farmer; and her aunts and uncles, Christopher and Stacey Brown of Arlington, Lisa and Michael Farmer of Louisa and Michael Sprouse of Charlottesville.
Carol Anne was vivacious, outgoing and genuine. Her hugs were extraordinary and her smile was boundless. Her quick wit took many by surprise and she accepted people for who they were. She never met a stranger.
Born June 1, 1990, in Culpeper County, Carol Anne was a graduate of Stuart Hall, a college prepar- atory school in Staunton. She also attended Riverbend High School in Spotsylvania and Hyde School in Maine. As an elementary school student, she was a member of the first class at Epiphany Catholic School in Culpeper. She was an accomplished equestrian, cheerleader, lacrosse player, actress and avid Soap Box Derby racer. She enjoyed playing guitar and piano. Her lead role as Marian the Librarian in "The Music Man" while attending Stuart Hall was a highlight in her life. She served proudly as a founding member on Culpeper's Soap Box Derby Junior Committee and recently spoke extemporaneously to more than 200 business leaders supporting the Troilo family at the Culpeper Good Scout Award ceremony. She loved all animals and loved serving the handicapped. She had more than 300 community service hours before beginning college at James Madison University and Germanna Community College.
Carol Anne died on Easter and her body has been resurrected through organ donation. She spoke passionately that if she ever died, others should benefit.
On the day following Easter, someone was given new life through Carol Anne's strong donor heart. Another was given breath through her powerful lungs, and countless others will enjoy the gift of transplantation through Carol Anne's selfless generosity.
Despite her incredible attributes, Carol Anne suffered from the destructive illness of depression and bipolarism.
The Brown family encourages everyone who recognizes that their loved ones are suffering from this dreaded illness, especially teenagers during these most fragile years, to seek medical and consultative attention immediately.
There will be a Christian wake service at 6 p.m. Friday, April 17, in the auditorium of Eastern View High School, 16332 Cyclone Way, Culpeper, with visitation following in the school cafeteria.
A Mass of Christian burial and celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at Precious Blood Catholic Church, 114 East Edmondson St., Culpeper. Father Leo Zonneveld will conduct the services. A time of fellowship will follow the services on Saturday at Fawn Lake Club House, 11300 Longstreet Drive, Spotsylvania. Black clothes are optional; bright colors are preferred.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Culpeper Soap Box Derby, Carol Anne Brown Memorial Fund, Box 82, Brandy Station, Va. 22714.
Copyright 2009, The Free Lance-Star Publishing Co. of Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA