Elizabeth D. “Betsy” Brown, 89, passed away peacefully in her home on Hilton Head Island, S.C., Sunday, May 31, 2026.
Betsy leaves behind her loving husband of 66 years, Daniel C. “Dan” Brown; sons, Todd (Michelle) of Culpeper, Va. and Christopher (Stacey) of Arlington, Va.; four grandchildren: Erin, Sean (McKayla), Jack and George; and a great-grandson, Christopher; her brother, James “Jim” Daugherty of St. Louis, Mo.; and her sister, Barbara “Bobbi” Grimm of Plymouth, Minn.
Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, William Daugherty and Sara Daugherty Ridenour; along with granddaughter, Carol Anne Brown.
She was born and raised in Huntington before entering West Virginia University, where she met Dan. Her association amorality, Kappa Kappa Gamma, was a lifelong passion and an enduring source of friendships. After marriage and supporting Dan’s professional career, they relocated to Richmond, Va. before moving to Cincinnati, Ohio, where Betsy thrived, becoming the president of the Mount Washington Junior Women’s Club. They later moved back to Richmond, where she raised her teenage sons while Dan travelled extensively in the investment industry. In Richmond, she taught herself guitar, warmly sponsored a family from Vietnam and later, along with two close friends, launched a successful catering business. She specialized in creating and decorating elaborate wedding cakes.
An avid and accomplished cook, Betsy expressed her love to those around her through her food and hospitality. Her kitchen was always the centerpiece of the home.
From Richmond, she and Dan then moved to Pasadena Calif., where she became an active member of the Santa Monica League. She was also a guide at the renowned ArtCenter College of Design.
After retiring to Hilton Head, Betsy enjoyed playing tennis and became active in philanthropic endeavors. She and Dan hosted dozens of events at their home, particularly supporting their WVU Mountaineer alumni. As committed supporters of WVU, in 2018 Betsy was awarded the Order of Vandalia, which recognizes those who make far-reaching contributions to the University long after graduation. Needless to say, Betsy Brown was a true Mountaineer, excelling in all she attempted…and cultivating close friends along the way.
The Brown family will host friends and family from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday evening, June 5, at their home in Sea Pines. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 6. Following Mass will be a graveside burial at Six Oaks Cemetery in Sea Pines. Following the burial, the family will host a reception at Sea Pines Country Club.
The funeral will be organized by Island Funeral Home in Hilton Head.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Hilton Head Island or The Rockefeller Neurological Institute at West Virginia University.
