Nellie L. Brown

Nellie Lee Brown passed away peacefully on Tuesday May 12, 2020.  She was born in Evinston, FL, on October 28, 1919 to Oscar Lee and Queen Vashti Hill.  During her childhood she and her older sister, Laura, were raised by their grandmother, Laura Harrison, who shuttled the family between Evinston and West Palm Beach as work allowed.  Nellie eventually came to New Jersey with her mother and graduated from Metuchen High School.  In 1943 Nellie married Cornelius T. Brown, moved to Long Branch and had two sons Neil and Harold.

Nellie soon joined the Second Baptist Church in Long Branch and was a faithful participant in the choir and leader in the Sunday School.  Upon her husband's call to the Deacon Board, Nellie became a Deaconess and worked tirelessly in the activities of the church.  When she and her husband moved on to Good Hope Baptist Church of Asbury Park, Nellie continued her church activities and eventually was named "Mother of the Church."  She supported her husband's religious work, took advanced religious classes, and was assigned teaching duties at the Monmouth Bible Institute (founded by Cornelius T. Brown) where she influenced the paths of many of today's church leaders in the Central Jersey area.

From her humble beginnings, Nellie lived a full, fruitful and successful 100 years.  She witnessed the succession of mind-boggling advances in the world but was not inundated by mankind's progress.  Through her guidance her sons were able to enjoy successful careers in education.  But Neil and Harold were not the only ones to benefit from Nellie's guidance.  She was 'Aunt Nellie' to some, 'Ma Brown' to many, 'Mama Nellie' to others, and 'Mother Brown' to much of her church family.

Nellie leaves behind her sons Dr. Cornelius T. Brown Jr. and Harold W. Brown (wife Barbara).  She was also mother to Rose Terry and Adrienne Marie.  She was grandmother to Dr. Cynthia T. Brown (husband Gregory), Cornelius T. Brown III (wife Melissa), Colin T. Brown (wife Melanie) and Terryn and William Statham; eight great-grandchildren Malachi, Natalie, Josiah, Maureen, Kensington, Derek, Robinson and Alexandria; the extended family Archie, Tourya and Veleda Greenwood, William Sirman and a host of others - too any to name.

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic following nationwide social distancing all services are private.  We appreciate your understanding.*