Loretta Lucille Brown Hetzer

We celebrate the love and life of Loretta Lucille Brown Hetzer fondly known as “ Emmy “ to many friends and family . Loretta was born April 13, 1936 to Jay Frew and Rouie Salyer Brown . She was the 9th of eleven children. They came from very humble beginnings but found joy and happiness in their lives just the same. Music was a uplifting part of her family . She sang on the local radio as a teenager and her brother Ray was a professional musician with the Four Freshman. This was the beginning of many years of passion and performances in music and theatre.

She attended Marshall University as an English major and we are pretty sure that her blood turned green because she was a huge supporter Thundering Herd Athletics and attended numerous events and tournaments with her husband , Darwin . She wore her Herd attire proudly and regularly in her latter years when she was unable to attend. She cherished being a member of the acting cast for the movie “We are Marshall “.

In 1958 she married the love of her life Darwin Gartrell Hetzer . She was swept off of her feet with his charm , looks, and humor. After Darwin’s passing in 2005, Loretta still shared her commitment to him in conversations and uplifting stories. She wore both his and her wedding bands and will reunite with him in Heaven .

She and Darwin started their family in 1961 when David Brian Hetzer was born . In 1963, Rebecca Rouie Hetzer ( Beckey ) was born . In 1969, Stephanie Jill Hetzer entered the world and was instrumental in caring for Emmy in her latter years. Loretta’s children will tell you that there was not a better mother that you could ask for. She embraced her children with love and her approach empowered them to believe in themselves and become their very best . They and her grandchildren and great grandchildren were a constant joy in her life.

She was a true, supportive stay at home mom until her children got a little older. She was a Dental Assistant way back in the day but when living in Roanoke Virginia for almost 7 years became Human Resource Director for Belk/Leggett in The Tanglewood Mall. When moving back to Huntington in 1980 she worked in Sales and Marketing with Cilco then later traveled and worked from home in Sales and Marketing for Interzaog Corporation . She devoted her life to family and church . A member of the Westmoreland United Methodist Church most recently for over 45 years just recently relinquishing her service as church secretary and treasure . When she sang solos in the choir it very often brought tears of joy. She served on numerous boards and committees including past president of the Huntington Musical Arts Guild.

In the church theatre community she was known as “ Boots “ and was co - star in the annual Bitsy and Boots series with Jane Morse and written by the great mind of Jonathan Joy. She continued performing her role as Boots into her early 80’s . So many other theatre accolades and performances were part of her legacy for the last 40 years. Plays and performances would occur always at least once and sometimes twice a year. Family and friends would always ask , what is Loretta going to be in this year ? She had a huge attendance and following at her performances. Every performance since the passing of her beloved Darwin was dedicated to him as her biggest fan. She had it printed in every program.

Many of these friendships with actors and performers remained strong until her passing. It was always a treat when Mike Campbell would be playing the piano and would impromptu call Loretta up to the piano to sing and entertain. She lit up the room with her beautiful smile that radiated from her heart. She was accepting of everyone , expected nothing from others and didn’t ask anyone to change or conform to her. She added many to her prayer list and kept on loving.

As much as she enjoyed all of the before mentioned , she loved nothing more than her family and all the occasions and celebrations. Birthday parties , our annual Brown/Salyer reunions , and being a regular fan and loving supporter of her children and grandchildren’s activities and sporting events . Her and Darwin would travel and be regulars at Drew’s Wrestling matches and Maribeth’s track meets. Many fun memories were created with her annual trips to the Outer Banks and Top Sail Island with family, close cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In her last couple of years, Emmy was blessed with great grandchildren twins, India Rose and McPherson Wylie Hetzer. Her favorite thing was visiting on Sunday , watching our beloved Browns , and eating delicious Backyard or Peddler food. One of Indie’s first words was “ Hi Emmy “ when they FaceTimed.

As we honor our lovely Emmy , we also celebrate that she was a fighter and a cancer survivor. Her most serious battle was in her mid 40’s where she overcame breast cancer with the love and support of Darwin taking over motherly duties and cooking and cleaning while still working with the understanding and help from her children. Strength was gained by the entire family. In the end when cancer returned , she was lovingly cared for by Stephanie, Sister Marty, David, and special caregivers Jill Cook and Elizabeth Barker as well as devoted Hospice nurses and staff. She cherished all of her texts, calls, cards, and visits , especially from her Westmoreland United Methodist Women church group and nieces Karen and Lorna. This would always brighten her day during the difficult illness and difficult times.

She was preceded in death by her siblings Lorna Gertrude Brown Stapleton, Jay Edward Brown, Mary Mae Brown Grizzle, Marjorie Ellen Brown LeMaster, Eloise Brown McFadden, Irene Brown Anderson, John Fred Brown, Robert Arthur Brown, and Raymond K Brown in addition to her beloved husband, Darwin.

The legacy she leaves will be lived by survivors sister, Marty Bentley, David (Kimberlee) Hetzer, Beckey (Lance) West , Stephanie Hetzer all of her loving children. Her grandchildren Drew (Megan) Hetzer, Maria Hetzer, and Maribeth (Casey Hill) Hetzer. Great grandchildren Mick and Indie Hetzer and SC step grandchild Israel Jordan. Hundred’s of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends have been touched by her greatness and will always remember her.

Friends  may  call from 5-7 pm Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at the Reger Funeral Home, Huntington. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Reger Funeral Chapel, Huntington with Pastor Kara Phillipi. Burial will follow at  the Whitt Cemetery, Argillite, KY. The funeral service will be live streamed on the funeral home website.

Loretta’s wishes are that in lieu of flowers honor her with donations to either Westmoreland United Methodist Church 3602 Auburn Road Huntington, WV 25704 or Hospice of Huntington PO Box 464 Huntington WV 25709.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.regerfh.com