Trending
RALEIGH, NC –
In Loving Memory of
Ruth Wesley Brown (Lightsy)
Age 86
"Forever in our hearts, always in our memories."
With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Ruth Wesley Brown, who peacefully departed this life on October 19, 2026, at the age of 86, in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Ruth was born in Louisville, Kentucky, to her loving parents, Thomas and Mabel Lightsy.
As the wife of a United States Air Force veteran who proudly served for 24 years, Ruth embraced a life that took her and her family to many places across the country. Along the way, she called Kokomo, Indiana; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Lompoc, California; and Grand Forks, North Dakota, home. In 1973, Ruth and her family settled in Gwinn, Michigan, where she spent the next 50 years building a life filled with cherished friendships, family memories, and deep community connections. In 2023, she relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, to be closer to her daughters.
Ruth lived a life filled with love, laughter, faith, kindness, and determination. Known for her warm and compassionate spirit, quick wit, and wonderful sense of humor, she had a special way of making those around her feel welcomed and loved. Her kindness and genuine nature touched countless lives, leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Throughout her life, Ruth found great joy in traveling, shopping, and spending time with the people she loved. Together with her beloved husband, John, she shared a lifetime of adventures exploring the country and creating cherished memories along the way. Whether setting out in their Volkswagen bus pulling a pop-up camper, traveling the open roads in a motorhome, or enjoying the comforts of their fifth-wheel, Ruth and John embraced the freedom of the journey and the joy of discovering new places together. They especially treasured opportunities to visit family and friends scattered throughout the country, strengthening bonds and creating memories that would last a lifetime. And, of course, for Ruth, no adventure was quite complete without a stop at a favorite department store or two!
Her faith was also an important part of her life. Ruth generously gave her time volunteering at her church, displaying the kindness, compassion, and willingness to serve others that were so much a part of who she was.
Above all, Ruth cherished her family. The love she shared, the memories she created, and the warmth she brought into the lives of others will remain a lasting part of her legacy.
A Legacy of Love
Ruth leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, laughter, and treasured memories.
She is lovingly remembered by her sister, Barbara; her children, Mark (Jennifer) Brown, and his sons, Elliott and Liam; Leslie, and her children, Alyse and Nolan (Erin); Angela (Alexander) Brown-Johnson, and their children, Sydney and Wesley; Kimberly (Ronald) Waller, and their son, Joshua; and Jonathan (Karen) Brown, and their daughter, Jeremy. Ruth’s legacy of love continues through her three cherished great-grandchildren, Wesley Jr., August, and Arden, who represent another generation of the family she held so dear.
Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John T. Brown, Jr.; her parents, Thomas and Mabel Lightsy; and her siblings, Thomas, Jr., Sidney Earl, Carl, and Benny.
Although our hearts are heavy with grief, we find comfort in the countless memories, unconditional love, and enduring legacy Ruth leaves behind. Her life was a beautiful reminder that the greatest treasures are not found in the places we visit or the things we collect, but in the people, we love and the memories we create together.
Celebration of Life
A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held in the spring of 2027 in Gwinn, Michigan, the community she proudly called home for 50 years.
Additional details regarding the service will be shared with family and friends as arrangements are finalized.
Forever Remembered
Though Ruth is no longer physically with us, her love, laughter, faith, and adventurous spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Her journey on earth may have come to an end, but the love she shared and the memories she created will continue to travel with us wherever life may lead.
Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.
Rest peacefully, Ruth. You are deeply loved and will be forever missed.
Fassbender Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family locally. Memories may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com