Iris Smith Brown was born May 5, 1944, to Albert A. Smith, Sr. and Lucille Branch Smith. She was the only sister to four brothers. Iris was predeceased by her parents and two of her brothers, Albert A. Smith, Jr. and Donald R. Smith.

Iris was educated in the Petersburg Public School System and was a proud graduate of The Historical Peabody High School, Class of 1962. She attended Smith-Madden Business College in Richmond, VA. Iris was hired as one of the first African-American employees at Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Company of Virginia (Bell Atlantic), Petersburg, VA.  Iris retired after 30 years of service as a Long-Distance Operator, Manager's Planning Clerk and a Network Distribution Service.

Iris was baptized at Zion Baptist Church at 12 years of age.  At Zion she served in many capacities: Chairperson of the Church Program Committee, member of the Historical Heritage Board and as President, Recording Secretary and Treasurer of the Pulpit Aid Society. She also served as Recording Secretary and Reporter for the Church School, Assistant Troop Leader for the Junior Girl Scouts an Alternate Financial Teller, and a Sponsor for the Sounds Unlimited Youth Singers.  Iris served on Troop #166 Committee of the Boy Scouts Council and the church flower and decorating Committee.  In addition, Iris served as a reporter and photographer for the Zion Hearld News, and a longtime member of the Andrew J. White Adult Association serving as Recording Secretary and as the President.

Iris was named Chairperson of Zion's Centennial Celebration 1990~1991. She was named Mother of the Year in 2000. Iris was also celebrated as a Diamond of Zion in 2024. In addition, from Zion, Iris extended her commitment and concerns to related Christian endeavors through membership in the Women's Division of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia and attended the Annual Sessions of the Baptist General Convention.

Iris was a member of several social and civic organizations: a lifetime member of the Telephone Pioneers and Communication Workers of America, Past President of the Junior Civic League of Petersburg, the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra Women's Committee and the Peabody High School Alumni Association, Inc. (serving as president). Iris was also a past member of the Board of Directors for the Alzheimer's Association, Richmond Chapter and the Tri-City Advisory Council Member of the Alzheimer's Association. She received an award from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club.

Iris leaves to cherish her memories her husband of 62 years, Willis R. Brown; one daughter, Lesia Carter and son-in-law, Jeffrey; three grandsons, Justin (Cynthia), Jordan and John; bonus grandson, Antoine (Qiana); great grandson Jase; and bonus great grandson, Trust.  Iris is also survived by two brothers, Larry J. Smith, Sr. (Wanda) and Gregory L. Smith, Sr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, godchildren and bonus daughters, Michelle W. Smith and Rhonda Shaw.

Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at Zion Baptist Church, 225 Byrne Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Delano Douglas, Interim Pastor. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of floral arrangements, please make donations in memory of Iris Smith Brown to the Petersburg Symphony or the Peabody Alumni Association.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.