April 29, 1947 ~ June 22, 2026 (age 79)
Leiliah “Ann” Brown passed away peacefully on Monday, June 22, 2026, following a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease.
Ann, the second child of Francis and Elizabeth Newman Brown, was born in Russellville, Alabama, in April 1947.
Ann’s father served in the United States Air Force. His military career led the family to move frequently, living in several locations across the United States and abroad. After attending schools in many different communities, Ann’s family eventually returned to Shawmut, Alabama.
She was a proud member of the Class of 1965 at Valley High School. Following high school, Ann married Danny Dorough. Soon afterward, Danny joined the Air Force, and the couple was stationed at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Washington.
During their years in Tacoma, Ann and Danny welcomed their daughter, Bonnie Dorough. The Pacific Northwest quickly became a place Ann cherished. Surrounded by its natural beauty, she developed a lifelong love of the outdoors and enjoyed hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, running, and many other outdoor pursuits.
Ann was also deeply devoted to her faith and church community. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church on Mercer Island and later in Steilacoom, where she faithfully served on church boards and shared her love of music as a choir member for many years.
Ann dedicated many years of service to the federal government as a Civil Service employee. Most of her career was spent in Human Resources with the Social Security Administration, where she found both professional fulfillment and lasting friendships. Ann genuinely enjoyed her work and treasured the relationships she built with her colleagues, many of whom remained dear friends throughout her life. Above all else, Ann’s greatest joy was her family.
She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Bonnie, and a loving grandmother to her grandsons, Case, Cole, and Caden. Family and close friends held a special place in her heart, and she had a remarkable gift for making others feel loved, remembered, and valued.
Ann was known for her kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness. She never missed an opportunity to celebrate life’s milestones, whether by sending a birthday card, congratulating a friend on a new grandchild, recognizing an anniversary, wedding, retirement, or new home, or offering comfort during times of loss. She loved keeping in touch through phone calls and letters, always eager to hear about the latest happenings in the lives of those she cared about. When you spent time with Ann, you felt her genuine interest, warmth, and love.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth Newman Brown, Francis Brown, and her stepmother Alma Brown; her brothers, Robert Brown and Edward Brown; and her beloved grandson, Case Hoiness.
Left to cherish Ann’s memory are her daughter, Bonnie Riley (Glenn) of Valley, Alabama; her grandchildren, Cole Hoiness of Fort Rucker, Alabama, Caden Hoiness (Ellie Miller) of Newnan, Georgia, Bryant Riley (Emily) of Phenix City, Alabama, and Tori Elconin (Alex) of Columbus, Georgia; her brothers, Jack Brown of Melbourne, Australia, and Paul (Lilah) Brown of Oxford, Mississippi; her sisters, Amy Carter of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and Nancy (Jess) Allen of Jefferson, Louisiana; her four great-granddaughters; her devoted caregiver, Linda Foster; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Ann’s presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. While her passing brings profound sadness, the family began grieving many years ago when she was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2012. Over time, the disease gradually took away her independence, her vibrant spirit, and her ability to communicate. Yet through it all, Ann’s gentle heart, warm smile, and love for others remained steadfast until the very end.
Arrangements to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to your local Alzheimer’s organization or to the National Alzheimer’s Association at 800-272-3900.
Please visit Ann’s Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a kind word for her family, to share a memory of Ann, or to light a Remembrance Candle in her memory.
Johnson Brown Funeral Home in Valley, Alabama, directing.
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