Obituary of Mary Jane Brown

In my father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I will go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also ~ John 14:2-3 Mary Jane Anderson Brown was born September 8, 1940, to Rainey, Sr., and Laura Jane Watkins Anderson in Lee County, South Carolina. She was the youngest of five siblings. Mary completed her high school education in South Carolina prior to her family relocating to New Jersey. She went on to further her education at Drake Business School in Jersey City, NJ, receiving several certifications. It was also while residing in New Jersey that Mary met and married the love of her life, Walter Vernell Brown, Sr., on October 6, 1962. To this union they were blessed with two sons, Walter, Jr., and Darrel. Mary and Walter also became foster parents to three siblings Antaius, Felicia, and Ramone Webster. She became affectionately known as "Aunt Mary" by many of the children in the neighborhood, as well as her church family. Prior to her retirement in 2004, Mary was employed by St. Mary's Hospital in Hoboken, NJ for thirty years. She worked in various departments as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Central Supply Certified Sterile Technician, and Operating Room Certified Instruments Technician. She was willing to learn all she could to advance herself. Mary became a member of St. Matthew's Baptist Church in Jersey City, under the leadership of Reverend L. G. Johnson for 38 years. She served faithfully on the Missionary Ministry, Senior Usher Board, Senior Choir, Pastor's Aide Committee, President of the Youth Department, and Church Custodian. In 2008, Mary and Walter relocated to Virginia and moved their membership to the Petersville Baptist Church in New Canton, under the leadership of Rev. Ollie W. Bolden. Previously, she served on the St. Matthews Deaconess Board and continued to serve in that capacity upon her arrival to Petersville. Mary always had a missionary's heart. Her passion for helping and caring for those who needed assistance included providing rides to the grocery store and medical appointments, preparing meals, cleaning homes, and providing laundry services. She was dedicated, supportive, and faithful to her church community until her health began to decline. Mary's favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Her favorite song was Blessed Assurance. Throughout the years, Mary gained the love, friendship, and support of so many, giving special recognition to Pastor and First Lady Bolden, Mother Dolores Liggins, Pastor Dyanne Liggins and family, the Booker Family, Anna Allen, Mary Curry, cousins-Betty Brown, and Betty Mosby, all her Prayer Warriors, and the Petersville Baptist Church Family. On Saturday morning, May 20, 2023, with her husband by her side, Mary transitioned from this life peacefully at her residence to spend eternity with her Lord and Savior. She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her brothers, Rainey, Jr. and James Anderson, and a sister, Elizabeth Anderson Isaac. She leaves loving memories to be cherished by her husband, Walter Vernell Brown, Sr.; sons, Walter Vernell "Terry" Brown, Jr., (Susan) of New Canton, VA and Darrel L. Brown of Jersey City, NJ; six grandchildren: Laticia (Gabe), Nicole, Danitra, Christian. Markese, and Sierra; two great-grandchildren: Evan and Lealana; one sister, Eva Mae Durant of Baltimore, MD; niece, Mildred Chandler (William) of Irvington, NJ; sisterin-law, Gloria Brown of Richmond, VA; three godchildren: Lisa Ravenell-Hill, Danielle Winn, and Anaya Pacione Chandler-Ponds; two aunts, Helen Miller and Bernice Mayo, and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, other family, and friends. DON'T CRY FOR ME Don't cry for me, I will be okay. Heaven is my home now, and this is where I'll stay. Don't cry for me, I'm where I belong. I want you to be happy and try to stay strong. Don't cry for me, it was just my time. I will see you someday on the other side. Don't cry for me, I am not alone. The angels are with me, to welcome me home. Don't cry for me, for I have no fears. All my pain is gone, and Jesus took my tears. Don't cry for me, this is not the end. I'll be waiting here for you when we meet again. You were loved by so many, and your selfless love, inspiration and dedication will live on in our hearts forever. Yes, our hearts are heavy, and words cannot express how deeply we will miss your smile, your warmth, and your influence in the lives of those you've touched. ~Sorrowfully, The Family Praise of a Good Woman Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands, she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:10-31