Beatrice "Bea" Powell Brown, 66, of Columbia, died Saturday, October 8, 2016. Bea was born on December 28, 1949, in Hays, Montana, and was raised in Seattle, WA. In 1970, she married Michael J. Brown, and they spent many happy years living around the country, and internationally, as a military family. Bea was a gifted hostess and had a loving and generous spirit. She was an award-winning baker, and she freely shared her baked goods and her wisdom with those she loved. Bea's giving and hospitality benefited many, including the Oliver Gospel Mission, the Fort Jackson Golf Course, and the members of her Bible Study at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, where she was a member for eight years. She has a wonderful wit and great sense of humor, but most of all, Bea was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Bea is survived by her husband, Michael J. Brown, Sr.; daughter, Victoria Brown; granddaughter, Mariah Merckle; brothers, Derek Powell (Elaine), Clif Oden (Jeri), Phil Lamebull, and Larry Lamebull; as well as several nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Michael J. Brown, Jr.; mother, Veronica Rose Lamebull Oden; brother, Tony Powell; and sister, Karen Powell.

The memorial service for Mrs. Brown will be held at 11 o'clock, Thursday, October 13th, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, with The Rev. Paul Wollner and The Rev. Kris Litman-Koon officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 10 o'clock. Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 3909 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29204. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.