Jewell Bailey Brown

Mrs. Jewell Bailey Brown, age 97, passed away Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at Pruitt Health in Elkin.

Jewell was born July 9th, 1926 in Charleston, SC to George H. Bailey and Lela Mae Peavine Bailey. She retired from the Elkin City School System and was a member of Johns Island Presbyterian Church.  Jewell was an avid pilot. Her skills and knowledge in aviation afforded her the ability to work in a variety of capacities. As well, she earned many flying achievements. Jewell served in the Civil Air Patrol, and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. She was honored to be a member of the 99's Women's Flying Organization which was founded by Amelia Earhart.  Breaking the world altitude record of 27,000 feet in a Piper Cub Airplane and flying under the Cooper River Bridge were two of her most treasured experiences in an aircraft. She was awarded the Master Pilots Award in April of 2020. Mrs. Brown was also active in her community. She served on the board of the Elkin Airport Commission, coached the women's tennis team at Elkin High School for many years, and volunteered on
numerous and various committees at Elkin Presbyterian Church and Elkin First United Methodist Church. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. William "Bill" Brown and a sister, Lela Kikos.

Survivors include; her sons, George W. Brown of Jonesville and Mark E. Brown of Elkin.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, February 3rd at 1 pm at Hollywood Cemetery with military honors provided by the Civil Air Patrol. A celebration of life will follow at 2 pm at Elkin First United Methodist Church with Dr. Bill Johnson and Rev. Howard Flemming officiating. The family will receive friends following the celebration of life in the chapel of Elkin First United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Elkin First United Methodist Church.