Wilma Geneva Brown

In the quiet early morning hours of Thursday, June 22, 2006, Wilma Geneva Copeland Brown slipped the bonds of life here on earth and departed after 82 wonderful years to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She gave her life to Christ at a very early age and served as a lifetime member of Gilmerton Star African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of Chesapeake, VA. Born to the late James and Signer Copeland on May 9, 1924, she was raised in Chesapeake, educated in Norfolk County Public Schools, and received her diploma from Providence High School. At the age of 21, she married a young Navy sailor named James Brown and started her family. A 60-year resident of Portsmouth, VA, she learned tailoring at an early age and worked nearly 30 years as a professional seamstress. Much like her father, she thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her family. She also loved gardening and annually decorated the front of her home with a beautiful assortment of flowers. She was a fantastic cook who loved preparing tasty meals for her family and earned a sterling reputation in the community for her delicious home-made, oven-baked rolls. She always insisted her food was good only because she prepared it with love. Known affectionately by close friends and family as ?Geneva,? she consistently set an example of how to lead a rich and committed Christian life. A tireless worker, she and her husband worked hard to support their family and provide a loving home. She also worked unselfishly in her church where she sang in the church choir, served as a deaconess, was church treasurer, and represented the church as a delegate to national church conventions. She was recognized by those close to her as a caring and thoughtful person, with strong faith in God, and an extremely kind and generous spirit. She never passed up a chance to help others in need. Wilma Geneva Brown was married to her husband, James for more than 60 years. She instilled in her children the importance of education, hard work, as well as dedication to family, job and God. She taught them how to live as good, honest, loving, and caring people. And near the end of her time here, when faced with a fatal illness, she also taught them how to die with dignity, grace, and courage. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband, James Lee Brown; her devoted daughter, Ora Lynn Brown Tilghman of Clinton, MD; and her two loving sons, Terry Lee Brown Alfreda of Springfield, VA and Rodney Michael Brown of Clinton, MD. She also is survived by a dear sister, Ora Beamon of Norfolk, VA; a caring brother, David Copeland of Waterbury, CT; a brother-in-law and friend, Clyde Thrower, Sr. of Chesapeake, VA; a sister-in-law, Ollie White of Tyler, TX; three grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. Wilma Geneva Brown has left us for now but her spirit and legacy will live in our hearts forever. To send a lasting tribute or condolences to the Brown family, please sign the Online Guestbook below. Click "Sign Guestbook".

Tributes

Wilma Geneva Brown

June 22, 2006