Barbara Brown's Obituary
Barbara Jean Brown
June 29, 1936 -" March 23, 2011
Virtuous, strong, determined, committed, wise, sweet, encourager, bold, faith-filled, beautiful smile and sharp-as-a-tac are some of the words that describe Missionary Barbara Jean Brown.
Barbara Jean was born in Omaha, NE on June 29, 1936 to Charles Gentry DeLespine and Thelma Lynette Walker, affectionately known as Gramps. Charles and Thelma loved their only child and provided Barbara with a strong foundation as she attended school in Racine, WI. In 1953 Charles moved his family to Tacoma, WA where Barbara graduated from Lincoln High School. Barbara was led to Christ in 1961 by her Brother-in-the-Lord Lannie Berryman.
Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies - Prov. 31:10. Leo Charles Brown Jr. married his virtuous woman on October 10, 1976. She was his crowning jewel and he gave her everything she asked for. He was her knight in shining amour and she stood by and supported him in fulfilling his God-given purpose. They were true partners and best friends: ministering together, counseling together, raising fourteen children together, traveling together and so much more. Barbara Brown was a Professional Mother with unconditional love for all of her children. She was always present, guiding and gently urging her children to pursue God's purpose for their lives. She had a different and unique relationship with each of them and gave all of them her genuine love and support. Her love was so great it overflowed to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She constantly prayed for her entire family and her greatest desire is for each of them to personally know and love the Lord.
Without question, Barbara Jean Brown was an extraordinary woman of God. For her years of service in ministry to the local community and abroad, Barbara received her Evangelist Missionary license in 1977. One of the over-whelming joys of Missionary Brown's life was to work alongside State Mother Gertrude Young in the Washing State Women's Department. For over 20 years she devoted herself to teaching younger women how to live holy, honor their families and minister in their local Churches. As a highly influential woman within the Church of God in Christ affiliation, Missionary Brown held various positions on the state level. She was appointed as the Unit # 2 Leader of the Washington State Ministers' Wives during the June 1998 Holy Convocation.
Other appointments included:
First Lady of the Puget Sound District
Chairperson of the Puget Sound District Missionaries
Supervisor of the Women's Department of True Vine COGIC
Former President of the Washington State Third Generation
Member of the Washington State Women's Convention Finance Committee
Member of the Washington State Women's Convention Advisory Board
Former member of the Steering Committee for the Billy Graham Crusade
Appointed as a Washington State Member of the Public Relations Committee for the 1989 International Women's Convention
To the True Vine family, Missionary Brown was a precious jewel and a fearless example of a true believer. As she ministered, the anointing of the Lord would saturate the sanctuary bringing joy, peace, encouragement and strength to the congregation. The True Vine congregation was her family! She had an extraordinary way of making everyone she touched feel special and loved. To those that had no Mother or Grandmother, she became Mom and Grandma; to those that needed a sister or friend, she was that also; and to those that needed a spiritual mentor and counselor, she was all that and more.
Barbara Brown served her community well and was an advocate for those who were less fortunate. She had a strong compassion for children and believed in raising them up knowing and loving God. In 1968 Barbara Brown formed a summer camp for underprivileged children entitled -Å"Operation Longthrust- where she served as Camp Director for 43 years. Barbara also served as the director of the Dorcas House, a halfway house for women, from 1974 to 1977 and for over 35 years traveled to Purdy Treatment Center to minister to women who were incarcerated. In recognition of her community involvement and humanitarian efforts, Barbara received the -Å"1984 Outstanding Citizen Award- from the Eta Mu Zeta Graduate Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Barbara also received the 1997 Volunteer of the Year Award. Barbara Jean Brown led a life of extraordinary courage and strength. She was a true witness to God's saving and healing power. She was a woman of extraordinary grace and dignity sent to us by God -Å"for such a time as this.-
Missionary Barbara Jean Brown leaves a legacy of love and reconciliation to her loving husband Superintendent Leo C. Brown Jr. and her children, Debra Jones, Fredrick Ross Jr., Angela Collins, Wayne Brown, Charles Ross (deceased), Steven Ross, Renee Brown, Michael Ross, David Brown, Anthony Brown, Phillip Brown, James Fisher Jr., Daniel Brown and Cynthia Fedrick. She also leaves 29 Grandchildren, 20 Great Grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends who loved her dearly.
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
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