Saturday October 16, 2021, Barbara Jean Ferrell Brown (affectionately known as Gina Lollobrigida), beloved wife, mother and grandmother, left her physical being and began her spiritual journey. She was born on March 23, 1931 in Portsmouth, Virginia, to the late Frank Ferrell Sr. and Irene Bolden Ferrell. After her mother’s death, Barbara moved to Harlem, New York to be with her grandmother. Before Barbara left Portsmouth, she attended I. C. Norcom High School (which later became RiddickWeaver School). However, she completed her education at Whatley All Girls School in New York City.
While in New York, she met the love of her life, Rev. James Alton Brown, Sr., and they entered into holy matrimony on August 16, 1953. Reverend Brown would later pastor the White Rock Baptist Church in Harlem. “White Rock” as it is affectionately called, is known for members such as the musical duo Ashford and Simpson, who Barbara regularly sang with in the choir. Other eventual members of the popular storefront church included Freddie Jackson and Melba Moore. After almost fifteen years of marriage, God saw fit to call Reverend Brown home. Barbara returned to Portsmouth after his death.
Upon her return she became a member of New Mount Vernon Baptist Church. She was a faithful member for over 50 years. Barbara was ordained as a Deaconess and was active in numerous ministries and organizations and held positions including Sunday School Teacher, President of the Deaconess Board, Vice President of the Sharon Missionary Sunday School Division, and Director of both Youth Department and Vacation Bible School. She also served as the church clerk and administrative assistant to the pastor for many years.
Deaconess Brown was a member of the Senior Choir, Gospel Choir, Lee Crusaders, Missionary Choir, Mass Choir, and Inspirational Choir. She also participated in New Mount Vernon’s musical productions such as “He Lives”, Great Divas, “This Is Just A Rehearsal”, and several recorded albums just to name a few. With all of her activities none compared to her love for gospel singing. Barbara was known throughout the Hampton Roads area for her robust contralto gospel singing voice. She participated in functions for the city of Portsmouth and Portsmouth Parks and Recreation along with being the guest soloist for many other events and services. Barbara loved children and worked as a cafeteria assistant at Emily N. Spong Elementary School and a teacher’s aide for the STOP Organization.
In addition to singing, Barbara was also a dynamic speaker. She loved to talk about the goodness of the Lord and had been the guest speaker for many Women’s Day services and other engagements throughout the Hampton Roads area.
Barbara was loved by everyone for her kind spirit and playful character. She was always willing to help, listen, and offer an encouraging word.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, three brothers Frank Jr., Warren, and Henry Ferrell, and three sisters Flora Higgs, Anna Carter, and Geraldine Knight. She was a loving mother and grandmother who provided unconditional love to her three children: Denise, James Jr. and Andre’ Sr., her daughter-in-law Yvette, and three grandchildren David, Andre’ Jr., and Kaliyah. She showed them that serving the Lord with their gifts and talents is what you are supposed to do. She has an awesome legacy. Today her children and grandchildren follow in her footsteps.
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Personal Service, Peace of Mind, Pleasant Memories
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Joyce G Smith says
October 20, 2021 at 7:17 pmLet not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in me. That is what Mama B did, belived in God and it was evident throughout her life. To the family, I know your hearts are heavy but take comfort in knowing she is resting in the arms of the most high. This is why she lived her life serving God so when it was her time to leave this earthly body she would be with the Master. She was a ray of sunshine and knew how to make you laugh. She also was always willing to listen and offer spiritual guidance when needed. She will greatly missed.
Frances Chavous says
October 21, 2021 at 7:59 amPrayers for you and family. May God grant you peace and comfort in the coming days.
DONNA C. DARDEN says
October 21, 2021 at 5:18 pmMy prayers and condolences to the Brown family. God definitely has another song bird in His choir and an angel in His army! I am praying for your strength during this time of your loss!
Joyce Mackey-Foster says
October 22, 2021 at 1:25 pmToday I must submit my statement of love and appreciation for endless love “Barbara B” brought in my life
I could not be depressed or sad when in her presence. She did not have to do anything but just speak and I would feel better. “Barbara B” was gifted in helping to usher-in the presence of The Holy Spirit anytime she was given the opportunity. So many have been blessed in morning services, programs and please don’t forget The Choir Union with New Mount Vernon-First Baptist South Portsmouth-New Hope Pughsville. So many mothers and fathers, including my children, benefited from the loving nurture Barbara gave her children. I can’t take Barbara’s place but I can definitely pray that Denise, James, Andre, Yvette and grandchildren continue to plow the Fields of Salvation that your mother/grandma has toiled with each of you. I sincerely love each of
Barbara E Cross says
October 21, 2021 at 7:43 pmMs Brown was a gift from God. The love I have for her will live forever. She was like a Mother to me, things I didn’t understand, questions I had about the Bible, she would help me. She just had so much Love to share.
Family, I love you and thanks for sharing your Mom with me and so many others. Praying for you all and I love each of you.
Ms. Barbara J. Brown you have received your Crown for your Faithfulness and the Work you have Done!
Demonica Parker & Family says
October 21, 2021 at 9:38 pmMy thoughts & prayers are with you all during the loss of Mrs. Brown. Your mother was a charming & spiritual lady who always used her voice to sing praises to the glory of God. I loved to hear her sing. May God give you all strength during this time & cherish those memories forever in your heart.
Helen says
October 22, 2021 at 12:03 pmMay the work you have done, speak for you. From labor to eternal rest.
Kim Smith says
October 22, 2021 at 12:20 pmI consider the Brown family as my extended family.. Please accept our sincere condolences and love From Dollie Wells, Kim Smith and Sherri Pulliam.
Alice Hyman Bazemore says
October 31, 2021 at 1:51 pmMy deepest sympathies to you Denise, James, Andre and family. Mrs. Brown will surely be missed. Seems like I’ve known her all of my life. She was such a beautiful woman with a beautiful spirit and always had a smile. I so loved to hear her sing, what a voice. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God bless you and keep you.
Jerry and Patricia Parker says
October 21, 2021 at 9:51 pmOur thoughts and prayers are with the family . Mrs. Brown will definitely be missed by many. We count it a blessing to have known her. She was always so encouraging and uplifting . We send prayers of comfort.
Shari K Haynes (Shang) says
October 22, 2021 at 7:20 amMrs. Brown will greatly be missed, knowing her was a joy she was the back bone of the choirs at church. She was always ready to sing. I will never forget her.
To the family, I know your heart is heavy but know your mother loved you so very much and you all gave her strength. May God continue to bless you always.
Barbara Ore says
October 22, 2021 at 9:01 amOur thoughts and prayers are definitely with the family during this time . Barbara will be missed by many and her sweet spirit . Barbara always had an encouraging word. I will cherish my memories with
her. Barbara loved God and her family. May God bless you all
Dennis & Monica Turner says
October 22, 2021 at 3:19 pmTo Denise Brown and Family,
We pray that in the midst of your sorrow that you and your family find comfort in all the joyful memories shared. May God keep all of you close during this difficult time.
Jeff Harris, Patricia Dade and Family says
October 24, 2021 at 7:37 amI loved Mrs. Barbara. She was fantastic, wonderful, kind, giving, and full of happiness, faith, and love for everyone she knew and met. If you knew her, you knew could feel the joy coming from her. It was infectious. I’ve experienced so many fond memories with her family and mine growing up. I could still see Mrs. Brown and my grandma being silly ladies every Sunday. They don’t make folks like her anymore, and we’re blessed to have her as part of our lives for so long. To the family, my family and I mourn your loss along with you because it’s our loss too. Just know that she’s at peace, free from pain, and singing for the Lord after practicing for so long. May God protect, bless, and comfort you all.
Monica Green says
October 25, 2021 at 8:37 pmMy condolences go out to the Brown family. I will miss her lovely smile and her wonderful voice. Ms. Brown was a fabulous, fantastic, loving, God fearing woman. She was such a pleasant person and in the years that I knew her I never ever heard her say unkind word about anyone. My prayers will be with Denise, James and Andre (her dewdrop). Love ❤️you always like family.
Avis Garland says
October 27, 2021 at 1:53 amMy condolences to the family. Mrs. Brown was a very loving and caring person. When My family and I joined New Mount Vernon Baptis Church she inspired me . I look up to her . I joined the choir and user board because of her. I told her I like to sing and she said why don’t you we would love to have you.A beautiful soul . An Amazing,phenomenal woman.James , Andre and Denise my heart goes out to you. Our mothers are smiling down on us from Heaven. Rest in peace
Bernice Boone says
October 27, 2021 at 10:31 amBarbara was a close personal friend. I will always remember our lunches we had at Golden Coral, visits to the water front,laughs and nightly talks to check on each other. My friend is with the Lord and she will always remain in my heart. I will miss her so much.My prayers will be with Denise, James, and Andre.
Katrina Johnathan Whitehurst says
October 28, 2021 at 5:53 pmMs. Brown was the epitome of a WOMAN OF GOD, she had joy in her heart a smile that lit up a room and always had a word for you from the Lord when you needed it. She had a love for her children that was a blessing to see as they showed their LOVE for her. No matter how much pain she might have been in she would and could make you forget you were calling to check up on her and have you laughing.
Well “SHORTER than ME” and “BABE” will miss YOU. Denise, James Andre, Yevette, family we love you all and God’s Grace and Mercy be with you all.
.Johnny and Trina Whitehurst
Jenise Jackson says
October 29, 2021 at 3:38 pmI am lost for words I have so many memories of Ms. Brown and a lot of those memories was with my mother the late Nettie M Hyman they served on so many ministries in New Mt Vernon Baptist Church and they sang together in the choir. Well take your Rest put on your Robe and March in Singing with that powerful voice there is a seat waiting for you in the Heavenly Choir tell my mom and Terry hello for me. Family stay strong and keep her legacy alive. Be Blessed
Constance Person says
October 30, 2021 at 11:07 amTo the Brown Family, we send our condolences. Ms Brown was truly an inspiration to my family. I can remember her being one of the first persons to welcome my children to Vacation Bible School and the church family. She was definitely a beautiful person with a good spirit. I know that she will truly be missed. Rest In Peace Ms Brown
Lisa Griffin says
October 30, 2021 at 6:44 pmRip Mrs Brown Im Emma Robertson granddaughter I loved your singing in the choir when I went to church with my grandma you definitely put a dent in my heart with your Awesome singing🙏🙏🙏🙏 prayers the family 😘😘😢😢
Areena Lowe & family says
November 1, 2021 at 9:54 amDeaconess Brown and I served on The Discipleship Team, later reorganized as New Members Team Ministry, at New Mt. Vernon. She taught children, 12 years and younger, who accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Sunday mornings, before her clases began, we would talk while waiting as the children arrived. She had a testimony! She shared her testimony! I think of Psalm 84:1-2, “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!…..my heart and my flesh cry out for the Living God.” She was connected to the power of God and always giving God the Glory! I also think of Psalm 84:5, “Blessed are those whose strength is in you.” Deaconess Brown was determined to live life abundantly; her strength was in the Lord!
Denise, Deacon Brown, Andre’, Yvette, grandchildren…your mother, grandmother has found Life Eternal. May your hearts find comfort and peace.
Rosalind Winston says
November 5, 2021 at 1:34 pmSincere condolences to James, and the family as you mourn the loss of Ms. Barbara’s physical presence, yet celebrate the wonderful life she lived and the love she shared. She is missed. Keeping you all in prayer.
Trecia Saunders says
November 5, 2021 at 4:18 pmMy deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to Denise,Junior, and Andre and family. We were sorry to hear about our long time neighbor and family friend “Mrs.Barbara”as we use to call her growing up in Prentis Park. We send our love to prayers to you all.
From Trecia Saunders and family
Herman,Rory and Sean
P 757.628.1000 • F 757.545.9148