With heavy hearts and profound love, we announce the passing of Carol Leslie Utz Brown, who peacefully departed this world on April 19, 2026, at Lynchburg General Hospital. Born on April 4, 1952, in Beltsville, Maryland, Carol was a beacon of love, strength, and devotion to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Carol was the cherished daughter of the late Ralph Talmadge Utz and Margaret Louise Gray. She was predeceased by her loving husband, James "Jimmy" Everett Brown, and her precious grandchild, Angel Baby Green. Her enduring spirit is carried forward by her beloved children, Daniel (Sue-Ellen), April, and Dorothy (Samuel.) Her Fur Babies, Kruger, Itty Bitty, Donkey, Shrek, and Moolie-O

A graduate of High Point High School in Beltsville, Maryland, Carol was a dedicated and compassionate School Bus Driver for Bedford County Public Schools, serving the community with warmth and care for over 25 years. Her commitment to the students and families she transported was a testament to her nurturing spirit.

Carol's life was rich with love and dedication, marked by her unwavering faith and commitment to her church communities. She was a former member of Big Island Baptist Church until 2011, after which she joined Morgans Baptist Church in Moneta. Her faith was her guiding light, and she lived a life of service and kindness.

In addition to her church activities, Carol was a devoted volunteer at The Agape Center and a regular Rook player at Moneta Rescue Squad. Her love for volunteering extended to all aspects of her life, always giving freely of her time and heart to those in need. Her hobbies included playing Rook and Phase-10, and she was a devoted fan of Law & Order: SVU. Carol found joy in the simple pleasures of life and the company of her beloved Fur Babies.

Carol's life was defined by her strength and stubbornness, qualities that she embraced with grace and humor. Her love for her three children was boundless. She always enjoyed giving her Son-in-Law, Sam a Hard Time. Her late husband, Jimmy, was the love of her life, and together they shared an unbreakable bond. Above all, Carol's love for Jesus was paramount, guiding her in every aspect of her life.

As we celebrate Carol's life, we remember her as a woman of profound faith, unwavering love, and deep generosity. Her legacy of strength, love, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all she touched.

The service to honor Carol's life will be held in Big Island, where friends and family will gather to remember her incredible spirit and the joy she brought to the world. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Agape Center of Moneta and Moneta Rescue Squad, Organizations close to Carol's heart.

Though she is no longer with us in body, We Do Not Mourn as those Whom have no Hope. Carol Leslie Utz Brown, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

A Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026 at Big Island Baptist Church Cemetery, 1329 Sunset Hill Road, Big Island, VA 24526. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford on Thursday, April 23, 2026. 

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family.