Angela Crook Brown
February 14, 1953 ~ September 24, 2026
Born in:
Greenville, South Carolina
Resided in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville Butterfly TrailAngela Crook Brown, age 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on September 24, 2026.
Born on February 14, 1953, Angela lived a life defined by kindness and a love for both people and animals. She will be remembered for her warm smile, compassionate heart, and the joy she brought to everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Angela was preceded in death by her parents, George Wallen and Dorothy Stepp, as well as the love of her life, David Lee Brookshire.
She is survived by her beloved son, Joshua Floyd Tolley; her former husband and lifelong friend, James Floyd Tolley; her cherished grandchildren, Shylah Grace Tolley and Khloe Conley; her devoted dog, Lainey Wilson; and her beloved cat, Charlie Star. She is also survived by many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and fellow dog enthusiasts whose lives she touched deeply.
Angie’s passion for animals was the defining thread of her life. An avid animal lover, she became one of the most respected dog trainers in the Asheville area and was voted Best Dog Trainer in Asheville for multiple years. She was a proud co-founder of the Obedience Club of Asheville, where she served as Training Director. Her expertise and dedication led her to compete and showcase dogs at the prestigious Westminster Dog Show, a highlight of her remarkable career in the dog-training community.
In addition to her work with animals, Angie enjoyed a successful career with Wachovia Bank, where she built many lasting friendship.
Angie was married three times throughout her life, first to David Lee Brookshire, whom she always considered the love of her life; then to James Floyd Tolley, with whom she shared her son, Joshua; and most recently to Boyce Brown.
Above all else, Angie loved her family and her pets. She had a gentle soul, a generous heart, and a contagious smile that brightened every room she entered. Her compassion, encouragement, and friendship will be remembered and treasured by all who knew her.
Her family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. The memorial service celebrating Angie’s life will follow at 2:00 p.m. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Oak Forest Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
Though she is gone from our sight, Angie’s love, kindness, and legacy will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved her.
Services
Visitation: October 3, 2026 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Room: Chapel
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828) 687-3530
http://grocefuneralhome.com
Funeral Service: October 3, 2026 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Room: Chapel
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828) 687-3530
http://grocefuneralhome.com
Inurnment: October 3, 2026 3:30 pm
Oak Forest Presbyterian Church
880 Sand Hill Road
Asheville, NC 28806
So sad to hear of the Passing of Angie. I enjoyed her friendship in highschool. Facebook made it easy to keep you with friends from the past. Angie experienced heartbreak while so young. But she was a survivor. That sweet smile. I pray for comfort for the family. Resting in Christ.
I am so very sorry to hear of Angie’s passing. She was a friend in high school and groomed our little dog. Her extended family was friends to my Mom and Dad also. May the God of all Glory give her family and friends peace and strength in the coming days.
I was there on your wedding day when you married the love of your life, David, and I was there with you after David tragically passed away. I remember you telling me, just after David’s funeral, that you were OK because you felt the arms of God wrapped around you and you felt peace. I remember thinking, “what a profound statement” after what you had just been through. It really made an impression on me.
After I moved to Florida, we kept in touch with visits every now and then . Over the years there were many times that we weren’t in touch for long periods of time, but as soon as we got back together, it was like those long periods disappeared. Looking back now, I hate so much that we weren’t able to spend more time together in our later years. It’s just a reminder of how we need to cherish good friends because we never know when our time will come and those friends will be gone forever. I am so fortunate I was able to spend time with you just a few months ago when you visited Florida. We talked for hours and had such a good visit. I’m also very fortunate for our time spent together on the night of our 55th class reunion. I skipped the reunion to stay with you in your hospital room because I knew that’s where I needed and wanted to be. It meant more to me than anyone can imagine. I wish I had hugged you a little longer and a little tighter before I left because little did I know, it would be our last moments together. I will love you and miss you forever Angie and you will live forever in my heart. Rest in peace my wonderful friend until we meet again. I Love you,
Anne
and Khloe. And she gave me my Josie, our special Belgian Terveran. I will always remember Angie and her great kindness.
Mother-in-law Carolyn Tolley