Helen Havana Brown

Helen Havana Brown, 79, of Lynchburg, VA was born on September 11, 1946, to the late Clifton and Mary Elizabeth Giles. On November 20, 2025, while surrounded by her loved ones at home, Havana transitioned to her eternal home.

On May 23,1964, Havana married Van Thomas Brown Jr. who preceded her in death. Together they had four children: one daughter, Tammy Annette Brown who had preceded her in death and three sons, Thomas, Jude, and James Brown.

Havana was one of God’s most loving and caring people. Havana possessed a profound passion for caregiving, a calling she fulfilled with boundless love and dedication. Through never being formally employed outside the home, she was like a mother to all, opening her heart and home to countless children. Her selfless nature allowed others in her family to work, knowing their children were safe and cherished under her watchful loving eye. Her house wasn’t just a dwelling it was a sanctuary- a safe place where all were welcomed with open arms and unconditional love. Her legacy is one of pure, enduring kindness, love and generosity.

Havana was a member of New Hope Baptist Church, Concord, VA. Joined at an early age and was a member of the usher board.

Havana was one of 11 siblings raised in Campbell County as a close-knit family. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Nelson Giles, Gary Giles Sr., James (Alex) Giles, Lessie McCoy, Mary (Ethel) Lambert, Sarah Freeman, Lillie Daye, and Sheryle Hampton. She was also preceded in death by two brother-in laws, George (Ray) Brown and Garfield Brown; and one sister-in-law Catherine (Ann) Smalls. Also, preceded in death by one grandchild, Anthony Davis.

Havana is survived by her three sons, Thomas Brown, Jude Israel (Anna), James Brown; 11 grandchildren, Jasmine Stone (Garry), D’monyae Williams, Thomas Brown Jr. (Ryan), Jeffery Brown Jr., Antoinne Brown, Jahmon Brown, Michelle Webster, Michael Webster, Brianna Brown, Dasia Brown and Angel Hendrix; 18 great-grandchildren, Garry Jr., Jayla and Gavin Stone, Mason Davis, and Emilyah Banks-Davis, Sienna Williams, Journee, Aaliyah, Trinity, Trayvon, Thashyia, A’drayan, Iyana, Laionni, Serenity, Antoinne Jr., and Jordan Brown, Kayden Thompson, and Senciir Gilmore; one great-great grandchild, Gallerie Stone. She also leaves to cherish her memories her two sisters, Marie Nowlin (Lacy) and Arlene Goode (Sevelle); four brothers in laws, Carl Brown, Leroy Brown, Calvin Brown (Mary), and Tony Brown; two sisters in-laws, Reverend Betty Pannell and Lavorsia Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends remain to cherish her legacy.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at New Hope Baptist Church. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg. Interment will be at New Hope Baptist Church.

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