Cora Lee Brown

Obituary

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
 ““Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.””

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate”.                                                                                                                               (Proverbs 31: 25-31 NIV)

Cora Lee Brown (affectionately called “Ann”) was born on March 26, 1937 in Centerville, Mississippi to Lewis and Carvie Fells who preceded her in death. She graduated from high school.

 Cora accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age at the Starhill Missionary Baptist Church. It was in Mississippi where she met the love of her life, Reverend Will H. Brown, who preceded her in death, while standing at a water well. She later joined him in holy matrimony on March 30, 1957. They were married for 45 years, and to this union God blessed them with five children.

Cora attended Cuyahoga Community College with a focus in Business Administration.

Cora served faithfully in ministry alongside of her husband as First Lady of the Pilgrim Baptist Church for almost 36 years. Within the ministry, Cora wore many hats, both literally and figuratively. Although she was faithful in her official church duties as First Lady, she was concerned about the everyday needs of each member. To this role she brought grace, poise, patience, and class while displaying a spirit of humility and remaining relatable to all ages.

Cora found joy in working behind the scenes and encouraging others to grow. She never turned down an opportunity to assist or support. She served as a member of the Nurses’ Guild, Secretary of the Baptist Training Union, Secretary of the Auxiliary Account, assisted in the kitchen, and when no one else would step up, in order to not see the needs of the congregation go unmet, she temporarily served as a devoted and timely church van driver. She also held positions with the Ministers Wives of the  Calvary Hill Missionary Baptist District Association  for several years. She served on the Shepherdess Ministry at the Mount Haven Missionary Baptist Church where she later joined many years after the passing of her husband under the pastorate of Reverend Michael D. Small.

 Cora’s love for children led her to volunteer as a lunchroom monitor at the Woodland Hills Elementary School for many years where she received recognition.

Cora was known for being a “down to earth” Christian woman who loved to laugh, and often counseled, mentored, and advised other pastors and ministers wives. She was seen as a symbol of strength and wisdom.

Cora’s greatest strength was in witnessing to others about Jesus Christ. A stranger could not walk down her street without her engaging them in a conversation. But, very soon, she was going to witness to them.

Cora was well known for her delicious cooking, which included the famous “Egg Custard Pie”.

Cora loved working in her yard. Planting flowers and decorating the landscape.

Cora’s greatest joy was being a viable part in the lives of her grandchildren.  She insisted on being their babysitter. For years she transported them to and from school so that her children could work and have a peace of mind. She even took them to doctor’s appointments if needed. She often provided child care for young single mothers, and would barely charge them anything. Even today, these children who are now adults still called or stopped by to see her.

Cora also enjoyed watching all of the Cleveland sports teams. She shared a special bond with her youngest grand-daughter Zaria, whom she would call and say, “Hey, girl. Whatcha doing? It’s a game on tonight”.

Cora loved gospel music. During her younger years, she was a member of gospel singing group, and had a melodious contralto voice. She also played the piano as a hobby. Three of her favorite songs that she listened to repeatedly were: “Sovereign”  by Daryl Coley, “I Pray We’ll Be Ready” by the Chicago Mass Choir, and “God Is Expecting Me” by Reverend James Cleveland,.

 Cora believed in the power of prayer. She had unwavering and unshakable faith. She just believed that if she told God about it, it was done. 

Cora loved all things beautiful and lovely, and had impeccable taste in fashion.

Cora leaves to cherish and honor her memory, a loving and devoted sister, Dellene Johnson (Milpitas, CA), and as Mom would always say, her “five beautiful children”: Patricia Ann, Will Jr. (Angela), Denise, Glenda Yvette (Brian), and Jennifer; Nine grandchildren: Ciara Brown, Antonio Ciganko 

Dondero Motley, Jr., Derek Carr (Brandi), Alexis Brown, Deaundra Myers, Zaria Fields, Trinton Merriweather and Aunjelena Reaves, Two great-grandchildren: Bailee and Chloee Carr; two loving nephews: Andre and Javon Johnson (Milpitas, CA), a loving god-daughter, Nicole Snider (Columbia, SC), a faithful and consistent adopted god-daughter of over 50 years, Linda Pollard-Cooper, a long time caring adopted daughter, Candace Amos, a host of relatives, friends, and the Mount Haven Missionary Baptist Church family. Good night and we’ll see you in the morning, Momma!.

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