NEWPORT NEWS - Shelby L. Brown, 66, passed away in her loving home on Sunday, May 8, 2005, after a courageous battle with cancer. A native of Newport News, she graduated from Newport News High School in 1956 and worked as a Civil Servant at Ft. Monroe and Yorktown Naval Weapons Station for over 35 years until her retirement. She was an active member in the Relay for Life program and a longtime sponsor of the American Cancer Society. Shelby was an avid Bridge player with over 40 years experience and achieved the Life Master status. Shelby believed in having fun and enjoying life to its fullest. She was spontaneous, full of energy, loved to laugh and her generosity had no end. She had strength and fight of a tiger and a heart of gold. Once you met Shelby, you never forgot her. Memories of her are priceless and will live on forever. Her main focus and motivation in life was spending time with her family and friends. Shelby is survived by the love of her life, Douglas W. Brown Sr., and her only son, Douglas W. Brown Jr., who meant everything to her. She leaves behind her mother, Clara Lewis of Newport News; her sister, Janet Howell and husband, Gene, of Oakton, and sister, Patsy Hancock of Hampton. She will be sorely missed by her daughter-in-law, Eileen Brown of Newport News; her niece, Debbie Hancock of Virginia Beach; her four nephews, Mark Hancock and wife, Stephanie, of Newport News, Michael and Greg Howell of Oakton and Steven Howell of Arnold, Md.; her great-nephew, Brad Hancock of Newport News; and great-niece, Candice Howell of Tennessee. She also leaves behind many more beloved family members and cherished friends who will miss her dearly. The family would like to thank Riverside Hospice, especially her nurse, Marianne Pasake, and all the friends and family for their love and support. A memorial service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 12, at Peninsula Funeral Home, officiated by the Rev. Clarence Hillings. The family will receive friends following the service.

Published in the Daily Press on 5/10/2005.