Rose Mary (Mei-Mei) Brown Woods March 11, 1944 – January 11, 2026

Rose Mary Brown Woods peacefully entered into the Kingdom of God on the night of January 11, 2026 at the age of 81.

She was born to Joseph E. and Irene Brown on March 11, 1944 in Savannah and lived there until she moved to Tybee Island in 1963. The wild wind in her hair, sand beneath her feet, and the sounds of the crashing waves made her a true Tybee Girl. She made many friends throughout her life, including ones she met through her cleaning business, Mary’s Pop-Ins. She never failed to make an impression on everyone she met, and she certainly never missed an opportunity to tell others what she was thinking. There simply aren’t enough words to describe the unique and truly special woman that everyone close to her knew as Mei-Mei.

She and her best friend and loving granddaughter Morgan were inseparable like Peanut Butter and Jelly. Many beautiful days were spent in the park feeding the birds and squirrels, playing
penny poker, or running around on the playground. In October 2025, she was confirmed into the Catholic church and received her first Communion and Last Rites. Praying the Rosary and singing along with the Divine Mercy Chaplet with her daughter Terri became one of her favorite comforting pastimes.

The last leg of her journey was spent surrounded by her closest loved ones and in the care of the dedicated compassionate team from Hospice Savannah. Even the strongest and fiercest people
you love can’t be here on earth forever.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Josephine, Sadie, Dorothy, and Louise, and her brothers Joseph E. and Gordon, and her grand-dog Jackie.

She is survived by her daughters Terri Patillo (Michael) and Audrey Bowles, granddaughters Morgan Patillo (Jelly) and Michelle Patillo Helsel (Justin) and great-grandbabies Kinley and Slade Helsel, brother Joseph Charlton Brown Sr., sister-in-law Jackie Brown, and great grand-niece Samantha Brown and many more cousins and extended family. She also leaves behind her best friend and ice cream buddy, Kristi Helmey.

The family asks that donations be made in her honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Mei-Mei, we’ll see you later.

Offer Condolence for the family of Rose Mary (Mei-Mei) Brown Woods March 11, 1944 – January 11, 2026

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