Selma Lynn Doss Brown

Selma Lynn Brown Of Lorton, VA, died on November 15, 2025, of a heart attack, three days following her 80th birthday. She is the beloved wife of Richard P. Brown and the loving mother of her late son, Christopher L. McGaha, and late step-daughters, Carissa Ann Brown Hobbs, and Mary Elizabeth Brown Stewardson, sister of Saundra Pearson Woodis (Wayne), Becky Smith (Steve) and the late Chester Kim Doss and Carrie Trudy Holder; also survived by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Selma was born November 12,1945 in Mt. Airy, North Caroline to the late George Chester Doss and Opal Marion Belton Doss. When she was five years old, Selma’s parents moved to Washington, D.C. where the Belton families lived near the U.S Capital. Washington was a safe and interesting playground with picnics and outings in the vast number of parks with her four siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles. She attended D.C. public schools. Selma met her husband of 42 years when she was working as an assistant at a physician’s office in Alexandria. Later, she joined her sister Saundra working with a professional association where her humor and efficiency in telephone management for twenty-five staff received high recognition. When Saundra opened her management consulting company in 1982, Selma joined her as office administrator. She was an invaluable asset and highly respected by clients and staff alike. Selma so loved her son Christopher, husband Dick, her nine nieces and nephews, and all four-footed animals she adopted or recused. Her pets included several dogs, cats, and a large pet rabbit who took naps with Bandit, her Bichon. Plus, Dick built a pond for Koi fish which Selma carefully selected and individually named for over 20 years. The Koi family has grown happily. Selma loved holidays and family gatherings for cookouts, picnics, crab feasts, cards, and board games. Her favorite holiday was Christmas. Dick was always “Santa” for the family kids. His natural white hair, beard and red hat like Santa fooled many young kids out shopping with parents. Selma’s joy was making sure Chris,’ and the other children’s Christmas wishes came true! All four sisters loved shopping, but Saundra found hunting antiques the most interesting. Saundra invited Selma to an Alexandria estate sale, and she was forever a fan. Most Saturday they were off on a new adventure searching for priceless treasures. Husband Dick became Selma’s next “partner” for her searches Selma collection grew and expanded so she redecorated their home often! Over the years, Dick built a storage facility for the Selma’s “discoveries.” Selma has left our family and friends filled with memories of her humor, spirit, abundant love. Her lengthy battle is over. We are grateful that Selma is finally at peace and is reunited in heaven with her beloved son Christopher. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Selma’s name may made to: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, ASPCA, Wounded Warrior Project or the charity of your choice.

Tributes

Selma Lynn Doss Brown

November 12, 1945 - November 15, 2025