Martha Ann Patterson Brown

January 5, 2026

CHARLOTTE – Martha Ann (Patterson) Brown, age 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Monday, January 5, 2026.  She was born January 2, 1935, to Arthur Jack Patterson and Maggie Elminer (Byrum) Patterson. 

Martha grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina in the Steele Creek Community.  She was a graduate of West Mecklenburg High School.  She had a twin sister, Mary Lee (Patterson) Hawfield who passed away at the age of 52.  They had a double wedding on October 15,1955 at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC.  Martha worked in the insurance field for many years as well as the school cafeterias where her children attended school when they were young.  She was a loving wife and mother.  Martha loved laughing, cooking, cross-stitching, tole painting and word search among her many interests.  She and her husband, Leighton, visited all 50 states and 13 countries during their 70 happy years of marriage. 

Martha served as an Elder and Deacon at Steele Creek Presbyterian.  She was involved in various community activities throughout her life. 

Martha is survived by her loving husband, Leighton Pegram Brown of Charlotte, NC; children, Anita (Brown) McQuillen and husband, Marc of Rock Hill, SC, Gerald Brown of Charlotte, NC and Sandra (Brown) Hovis of Bluefield, WV, along with her grandsons, Chaz Hovis and Jake Hovis of Charlotte, NC.   

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Steele Creek Presbyterian at Pleasant Hill, 15000 York Road, Charlotte, NC.  The family will receive friends following the service at the church. 

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Valerie Hicks

    I remember how kind Martha always was to everyone - giving everyone grace and the benefit of the doubt. She was so understanding with my mother, Barbara Hicks. She and Leighton would pick her up for choir when she coud no longer drive. She would help my mom during choir practice find the right page, and not be so confused. The way she lived out her faith was an inspiration. My prayers are with all of you. Please tell Leighton that I'm praying for him and asking our Surpreme Comforter to surround him with peace, love and grace. Love, Rev. Valerie Hicks

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  • Judy Watkins

    Martha was a very warm and friendly person. She always made sure to greet me at church. My husband, Bill and I have enjoyed many church suppers with Martha and Leighton. Our condolences and prayers for Leighton and her family.

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