Julie Tenbarge

Brown

Julie Ann Brown

February 6, 1956 – November 12, 2026

“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.”

Julie Ann Brown, affectionately known as “Downtown Julie Brown,” was a devoted

wife, mother, sister, aunt, Grammy/Gigi, and great-Gigi. She passed away peacefully,

surrounded by her loving family, on November 12, 2026, at Duke Hospital following a

courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

Julie was born on February 6, 1956, in Evansville, Indiana, to Sylvester and Janice

Tenbarge. Throughout her life, she was known for her generous heart, unwavering

dedication, and willingness to give her time, energy, and love to those around her.

In 1994, Julie married Howard Brown while he was serving in the United States Army.

She quickly embraced the role of military wife, becoming the kind of supportive and

dedicated partner every soldier hopes to have by their side. She wholeheartedly

supported Howard and his military career, becoming deeply involved in family support

activities for his unit. Her dedication and commitment to military families were

recognized when she received the prestigious Dr. Mary E. Walker Award for

Outstanding Family Support. Julie understood the sacrifices of military life and made it

her mission to support not only her husband but also the families who served alongside

him.

Julie dedicated much of her professional life to caring for others. She attended nursing

school at New Mexico Junior College, where she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse

(LPN) credential. She later attended Wake Technical Community College, earning a

degree in Early Childhood Care.

Her career began with KinderCare Learning Centers, eventually leading her to Raleigh,

North Carolina, where she served as an Area Manager from 1984 to 1998. She

continued her passion for caring for others at Creekstone Day Care, serving as School

Director from 1998 to 2005.

Julie later transitioned from childcare to adult care, serving as Administrative Director

from 2007 to 2009. She went on to become Executive Director at Carolina House in

Durham from 2009 to 2010, followed by her role as Director at Twin Rivers in Pittsboro

from 2010 through 2019.

Whether caring for children, supporting families, or overseeing the care of adults, Julie

approached every position with dedication, compassion, and a genuine desire to make

a difference in people's lives.

In 2020, Julie and Howard moved from Raleigh to Manson, North Carolina, at beautiful

Kerr Lake, where they both retired and began enjoying a new chapter of life together.

Retirement, however, never meant slowing down for Julie. She filled her days

volunteering, helping others, and giving freely of her time and energy to anyone who

needed her. Her heart for service never retired.

Above all, Julie treasured her family. Her greatest joy was being a wife, mother,

Grammy/Gigi, and great-Gigi. Her home at the lake became a special gathering place

where children and grandchildren could make memories, enjoy lake time, and simply be

together. There was something special about going to Gigi's house, and those

memories will be cherished for generations to come.

Julie leaves behind her loving husband, Howard Brown; four daughters, Shannon,

Jennifer (John), Heather (Steven), and Chasity; 12 grandchildren; and three

great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy and love into her life.

She is also survived by her four sisters: Karen Mize (George) of Lamesa, Texas; Terri

Lancaster (David) of Littleton, Colorado; Diane Reinhard (Bill) of Littleton, Colorado; and

Joni Plummer of Lubbock, Texas.

Memorial Service will be November 21, 2026 at Middleburg Methodist Church 155

Walnut St Middleburg, NC 27556 at 12:00pm.

Julie will be remembered for her generous spirit, her devotion to her family, her

commitment to serving others, and the countless lives she touched along the way. She

was a woman who showed her love through her actions, always finding a way to help,

encourage, and care for those around her.

Though her family will deeply miss her laughter, her presence, and the special

memories made together, her love will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. Her

legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and everyone

fortunate enough to have been touched by her life.

Rest peacefully, Downtown Julie Brown. Your work here is done, your love lives on,

and your memory will forever be a treasure