Virgina Katherine Sory Brown

Virginia Katherine Sory Brown, a beloved musician, teacher, world traveler, and devoted friend, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, at the age of 71. She was born on July 24, 1954, in Nashville, Tennessee, to parents Jordan Stokes Brown and Anne Sory Brown. Virginia’s education began in Springfield, TN; she graduated from high school at Fairfax Hall in Waynesboro, VA. She earned an undergraduate degree from the Eastman School of Music and a master’s degree from the University of Michigan. Virginia was a premier teacher of voice and piano in Ann Arbor, nurturing countless students with her expertise and passion. A seasoned traveler, she toured extensively with choirs across the United States, Europe, and beyond. In her “spare” time she immersed herself in cultural pursuits, delighting in crossword tournaments and the Stratford Festival in Ontario, Canada. Always an animal lover, Virginia adored the nineteen (or more) dogs she adopted or fostered, and generously supported organizations dedicated to canine welfare. She also championed causes related to suicide prevention; above all, she cherished her daughter, Evelyn Anne Smith, who tragically lost her battle with mental illness in 2022. Virginia always insisted that "Virginia" was a far better name than "Ginny" for an opera singer. While she was of late known as Virginia, those who knew her longest affectionately called her Ginny. Even as illness slowed her in recent years and curtailed her travel, she never lost her rapier wit, wicked sense of humor, or uncanny knack for sharing hilariously naughty memes with friends. She remained almost invariably in good spirits, greeting even her final days in the hospital with smiles for the "cute young doctors" who cared for her. Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, Aunt Lib, many cousins, and her beloved daughter Evelyn. She is survived by her cousins Liza Sory McKenzie, Dr. Richard Leggett, Jay Leggett, and Gige Leggett Coffman, as well as her brother-of-choice, Dr. Steve Hyman. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am Saturday, August 29th at the First United Methodist Church in Springfield, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 10:00am until time of the service at 11am. Virginia's urn burial will follow the service in the Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are kindly requested to the Humane Society of Huron Valley (https://www.hshv.org/) or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (https://afsp.org/). Ginny's warmth, humor, talent, and unwavering kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements. AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME- 509 WALNUT STREET, SPRINGFIELD, TN (615) 384-1000

Virgina Katherine Sory Brown

July 24, 1954 - March 3, 2026