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Jennie Bessie Brown


Sunrise: November 29, 1929

Sunset: June 17, 2022

Mrs. Jennie Bessie Brown was born November 29, 1929, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina to the late Ada Harrison Burgess and Charlie Harrison.  She went home to be with her Heavenly Father on June 17, 2022.

Jennie graduated from McIver High School in Littleton, North Carolina on May 23, 1950.  She went on to marry Mr. Gilliam “Buddy” Brown on November 19, 1950.  They moved to Norfolk, VA where she remained until her return to her heavenly home.

Mrs. Brown joined Queen Street Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. J. Jasper Freeman, where she served with the Beautification Ministry, was a Children Choir Assistant, and a member of the Disciple Singers.  Jennie loved attending church and serving God.  She was a devout Christian and regularly worshiped alongside her pastors, associate pastors, and church family.

Jennie was a strong member of the local community.  She served on the calling committee for the neighborhood civic league and was a mother for many of the neighborhood children.  She was a leader of the Mall Walkers for Military Circle Mall and was a member of the Norfolk Fitness and Wellness Center for over 12 years and extremely active in the senior’s athletic programs. Jennie loved to travel, shop (especially for hats), work her puzzle word book, and talk to loved ones and friends on the telephone.  She especially enjoyed watching WWE Pro Wrestlers.

Jennie is predeceased by her husband, Gilliam “Buddy” Brown, to whom she was married for 51 years, her sister Clara Hayes (Peter), sister Betty Mae (Caldwell), brother Charlie Harrison (Jeannie), brother George Harrison, sister Margaret “Mot” McDaniel (Henry), and her son Charles Brown, Sr. (Teresa).

She is survived by two daughters, Linda B. Johnson (Michael) of Norfolk, VA and Peggy L. Williams of Norfolk, VA, and one sister Mrs. Dorothy Pulley of Enfield, NC.   Additionally, she is survived by seven grandchildren, Charles Brown, Jr., Michelle Butler (Sam), Wayne Sparrow (Kate), Willie Slue, Elandra Williams, Michael H. Johnson, Jr. (Sirena) and Gye B. Johnson (Lisa), and three great grandchildren Christopher Remy, Logan and Nora Sparrow.

Jennie was a mother of many and had several bonus children.  They include three bonus children, Doretha Knight, William Nicholson (Nellie), Willie Nicholson and two bonus grandchildren, Tony Nicholson and Tenesha Nicholson.  Jennie was esteemed and beloved by many.  She was also blessed to enjoy numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and acquaintances.

Jennie dedicated her life to her family and her Lord.  The peace of the family is because we know that she is at rest with them now.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. Timothy 4:7-8

Viewing Thursday, June 23, 2022 2:00pm-6:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 120 West Berkley Avenue Norfolk, VA 23523 Service Friday, June 24, 2022 11:00am Queen Street Baptist Church 413 E Brambleton Avenue Norfolk, VA 23510 Interment Woodlawn Memorial Gardens 6309 E Virginia Beach Blvd Norfolk, VA 23502

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Condolences(6)

  1. reply
    ALLAN Boddie says

    We will forever the kind, affectionate voice of Mrs Brown. My Mom’s good friend, a mother figure and affectionately loved. We will truly miss her. We pray for comfort for the family during this very difficult time. 💘 🙏

    Allan & Tonya Boddie

  2. reply
    Andrea Owens Miller says

    Peggy and the rest of the Brown Family. I’m so sorry to hear that Ms. Jennie has passed. I offer you my deepest condolences 💐 for the loss of your beautiful and sweet mother. I’m praying 🙏🏼 for the family and I pray that our God provides each of you with an extra dose of strength during this time of bereavement. God Bless

  3. reply
    Ruby and Bobby Anthony says

    Our hearts goes out to your family and know that God will comfort your spirits during this time of a great loos. Know, Ms.Linda and Mr.Mike we are here for you with prayers of love

  4. reply
    DDARCELINE Harris says

    Saddened by news of Ms Brown’s passing…she will be missed at Queen St. where I would always anticipate what wonderful hat she would have on each and every Sunday!
    She would often shop at our local retail store and never ever failed to ask me about my mom…I am eternally grateful to have known you…Rest in Paradise.

  5. reply
    Vernon says

    We love & miss U nfwc!

  6. reply
    Yvonne Mcconnell says

    I will miss you rest in peace love you Puddin

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