Louise “ Lou” Marvin Butts Brake, 91, died peacefully in her home in West Point, VA on July 30th, 2026, surrounded by her family and loving friends.
Louise was born on August 22nd, 1934, in Halifax, NC.
She graduated from Aurelian Springs High School in Halifax and then attended the Women’s College of North Carolina where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. After completing her own education, she began teaching at several schools in North Carolina.
Upon marrying her high school sweetheart, Robert “Dick” Brake, she moved to Lynchburg, VA where she taught 3rd grade. In 1960, Louise and her husband moved to West Point where she began teaching in New Kent County.
Louise was a very loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher. She was very active in the West Point United Methodist Church. Louise spent many hours in the church choir and preparing and distributing food to friends and others in need.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Georgia Wade Butts; her sister, Sarah Ann Butts Sasser; and her loving and devoted husband, Robert “Dick” Brake. Louise and Robert were married for 52 years before his death in 2012.
Louise is survived by a son, Robert Louis Brake, his wife, Michelle Smith Brake, and their son, Robert Andrew “Drew” Brake, in Mocksville, NC; as well as a daughter, Georgia Louise Brake, her husband, Dr. Rakesh Jaitly, and their daughters, Rama Jaitly and Krishna Louise Jaitly, in Bethesda, MD.
A celebration of her life will be held 11 a.m. Monday, August 3rd, 2026, at the West Point United Methodist Church 1020 Main Street, West Point, VA 23181. The family will receive friends before the service at 10 AM in the church. A reception will immediately follow the service at the church. Interment will follow at 4 p.m. in Tabor Methodist Church Cemetery, 10651 NC Hwy 48, Littleton, NC 27850, with Pastor Nancy Palmer officiating.
The family expresses deep appreciation for our devoted family and friends. A special thank you to her dear friend, Beth Carpenter; neighbors, AJ and Belinda Dean, Teresa Glidewell, and longtime friend, Bernice Gains and her son, Darryl, for all their love for our mother. We also want to express our appreciation to Phylicia and Brenda for their compassion and expertise in caring for our mother. Our deepest and heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful caregivers including Donna Brady, Angel Betler, Hannah Betler, Kristi Betler, Carol Parks, Alex Stray, Terri Mayes, Chantel Hill, and Ezra. You all made it possible for her to live out her life at home. Your dedication, compassion, and love have been a blessing.
Memorials can be made to Autism on the Seas, www.aotsf.org or the West Point United Methodist Church Building Fund, PO Box 610, West Point, VA 23181 or the West Point Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department, PO Box X, West Point, VA 23181.
Arrangements for interment are under the compassionate care of Wrenn Funeral Home and online condolences may be shared with the family at www.wrennfh.com