carolyn Virden Brown

Nov 21, 1937 -

Jan 27, 2026

Dr. carolyn Virden Brown of Juneau, Alaska, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. carolyn was born in Plainview, Texas, on Nov. 21, 1937.[1]

carolyn earned a B.A. in chemistry from Harden-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, in 1960. She completed her medical degree at Wake-Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., where she met her future husband, Dr. George Brown. The Browns moved to Alaska in 1965, and raised two children in Anchorage and Palmer. carolyn's medical career included work for the Alaska Native Medical Center, City of Anchorage, private practice, the State of Alaska and service as a volunteer in Africa. Dr. Brown's many accomplishments and contributions to Alaska were recognized in 2023, when she was inducted into the Alaska Women's Hall of Fame.

Dr. Brown was predeceased by her husband.

She is survived by her daughter, Rachel Brown-Chidsey, Ph.D., of Palmer; son, Benjamin Brown, J.D., of Juneau; and granddaughter, Eleanor Chidsey.

Memorial services in Juneau and Palmer are planned for summer 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to an organization of your choice that supports women's health, or to Women's and Children's Health Associates, P.O. Box 20113, Juneau, AK 99802.

[1] Dr. Brown spelled her first name with an underlined lowercase "c" because that is how it appeared on her birth certificate.