Winnie Irene (Gray) Brown

Mrs. Winnie I. Gray-Brown, 84, was graciously called HOME to GLORY on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at her home of 15325 Auburn Hills Drive, Woodbridge, Virginia with her loving and devoted family by her side.

Mrs. Brown was born on December 2, 1934 to the late William D. Gray and Frances Roberts- Gray. She was the last and only surviving child of 13 children born to that union. Winnie was indeed the apple of her parents eye.

Mrs. Brown received her education in the public school system of Martin County and was reared in the commonly known area of “Over the Creek.”

Mrs. Brown married the love of her life, the late James A. Brown and to that union 13 children were born. She enjoyed poetic reading, singing (her favorite gospel artist was Rance Allen) and visiting with her children. She was a life long resident of Williamston, NC; the last seven years, she resided with her devoted and loving daughter and son- in- law in Woodbridge, Va.

Mrs. Brown was a faithful woman of God; and at an early age she joined the family church-Bethlehem AME Zion in Williamston, NC. There she served as a Missionary and was affectionately called by her church family “Bethlehem Poem Lady. This was her ministry every Sunday. She would bless the hearts of many with a Sunday morning poem. Even in her more painful moments, not once did we recall her saying “Why Me?” Perhaps the greatest way in which, Missionary Brown enlightened others was with her ability to remain steadfast and faithful to God.

Missionary Brown leaves to cherish her memories, five daughters: Min. Mercedes O'neal Fornay of Williamston, NC; Shelia Eunice Walker (Rev.Walter) of Rocky Mount NC; Frances Paulette Purvis (Robert), Pastor Gladys Marie Hyman (Rev.Randolph), and Min. Amy Delphine Walker (Eld.Johnny) all of Virginia. Six sons: Billy James Brown (Phyllis), Reginald Rudolph Brown (Karen) both of Virginia; Marvin Lee Brown (Min.Lisa) of Windsor, NC; William Lewis Brown (Dalphine) of Williamston, NC; Terry Tyrone Brown (Rev.Darlene) of Greenville, NC, and Steven Darnell Brown(Priscilla) of Bethel, NC. Preceded in glory is her husband and two daughters: James A. Brown,Teresa Yvonne Brown, and Icsha Tammell Brown-Keel. Also left to cherish fond memories are 22 grandchildren, 49 great- grandchildren, and 2 great- great- grandchildren; sisters: Magalene Hyman, Jean Rowland, and Laura Forbes all of Durham, NC, special niece, Clover Peele, other nieces, in-laws, special friends in her church, and special neighbors; Rosa Daniels, Delores Green, and her personal hairstylist Movita Davis.

When one thinks about it, the life of Winnie I. Gray- Brown came in fullcircle. She came into this world cradled in the arms of her earthly Father, and left it cradled in the arms of her heavenly father. For that, we praise God for HIS marvelous work in, and through Winnie I. Gray- Brown.

SELAH!!!

VISITATION:  MERCEDES' Funeral Mansion and Cremation

                        310 Washington St, Williamston, NC

                        Thursday, October,10,2019- 4pm-7pm

FUNERAL SERVICE:  Cedar Hill Missionary Baptist Church

                                     2131 Rodgers School Rd, Williamston, NC

                                      Friday, October 11, 2019-12pm