Cleva Marie Estes Brown

Cleva Marie Estes Brown

First Lieutenant, U.S. Army 

Beloved Mother, Faithful Servant, Devoted Patriot

August 5, 1940 - October 16, 2025

Cleva Brown, a devoted wife, mother, proud veteran, and woman of unwavering faith, went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 16th, 2025, at the age of 85.

A devout believer in both God and country, Cleva lived her life with purpose, strength, and compassion. She served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army as a Registered Nurse during the Vietnam War, caring for wounded soldiers at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her service was marked by grace under pressure and a steadfast dedication to those in her care.

Beyond her military service, Cleva was known for her deep love of family. She poured her heart into raising her son and grandchildren as well as nurturing those around her, always offering comfort, wisdom, or her thoughts on the latest news. No matter the time-of-day Cleva could be found with a book on her lap and twenty more laid out around her. 

Her legacy is one of courage, love, and faith. Cleva is preceded in death by her parents Jesse and Alma Estes, son Jason Brown, her sisters Bonnie Estes, Beulah Mae Smith (Fred), Nellie J Myers (Bud), her brother Brunner Estes (Jessie) along with two infant brothers Kenneth and Kermit. Cleva leaves behind her Husband James Brown (Jim) Son Robbie Brown and wife Melissa, Grandchildren Anastasia, Jason, Isabella, Ellianna, Sister Hula Easter (late Jim) of Paint Rock, her sister Reverend Vivian Mims-Reed (late Harry and Roy) of Morristown, and an abundance of cherished nieces and nephews, all of whom carry her spirit forward.

In honoring Cleva's life, we celebrate a woman who lived with conviction, served with honor, and loved without measure.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. at Frost Funeral Home Chapel in Abingdon, Virginia.

Memorial contributions can be made to Tunnels to Towers in Cleva’s memory. 

Psalm 16:11 KJV 

“Thou wilt show me the path of life; in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore”

Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Ms. Cleva Marie Estes Brown.