Norfolk - On Tuesday, November 27, 2012, Mary Alice Brown peacefully slipped into eternal rest with her Lord and Savior. "His Lord said to him, "Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant; Mathew 25:21.

Eldress Brown was born June 3, 1930 in Hertford, North Carolina. She was extremely faithful and loyal, and dedicated over 38 years to Ministry at ST. PAUL C.O.C.D. She gave of herself to many Senior Citizen Nursing Homes for over 25 years. She labored doing the work she loved. Eldress Brown preached the Word of God, sang ole' time hymns, played the piano, danced, and shouted with a smile on her face all at the same time! She also ministered twice a week at the following places; Thornton Hall, Armstead, Harbor View, Lafayette Village, Stone Manor Bridge, and at Suburban Homes. When her health began to fail, she called people to take her there. She continued to labor for the Lord everywhere she went. Eldress Brown was a remarkable Daughter of Zion! She was loved by all who knew her. She never missed an opportunity to ask a stranger, "Do you know Jesus", and wait for an answer! Her motto was, and will always be; "JESUS LOVES YOU, AND SO DO I".

Let's celebrate her legacy, and her life. Let us remember her humor, hear her laugh, and see her beautiful smile. She is now where she wants to be. Before she left she said to her niece Angel Dunn, and caregiver Angel Brooks (2 Angels)" CAN'T Y'ALL SEE HOW BEAUTIFUL IT IS, I'M COMING HOME"!!

She leaves behind to cherish her fond memories: a special niece, Angela E. Long, nephew, Frankie Long, and great niece, Angel Dunn, Virginia Beach, Virginia. Our Lord placed "Aunt Mary" in our care before He called her home. She also leaves behind her son in the Lord, Bishop Bobby Evans, niece, Cathy T. Nelson of Ft. Worth, TX; nephews, Lloyd Downing Sr. (Rancho Santo Margarita, CA) and Floyd Downing Sr. (Virginia Beach, VA) step children: Anne B. Brown, Linwood J. Brown (deceased)

On Friday, November 23, 2012 Angel Dunn (niece), and Angel Brooks (caregiver) witnessed Aunt May sitting up on the sofa, singing songs, smiling, and clapping her hands. According to these two witnesses, Aunt Mary grabbed their arms as they assisted her back on the sofa, and said "Cant' y'all see how beautiful it is, I'm coming home, I'm coming home, I'm coming home"! Angel Dunn and Angel Brooks both observed Aunt Mary looking around in the room, content, and happy knowing she was going home. TO GOD BE THE GLORY! "Aunt Mary sat up "clapped her hands, starting singing, and laughed out loud" before she said "Can't y'all see how beautiful it is".


A funeral service will be held noon Tuesday at St. Paul COCD, 2238 Courtney Ave,Norfolk, 23504. Interment will follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park. Viewing will be held 3pm – 7pm Monday at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake. Condolences can be offered to the family at www.pretlowandsons.com.