Harriett Ann Brown

At peace and covered in prayer, Mrs. Harriett (Martha Wilkins) Brown left her earthly home to join her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her late husband Mr. William Brown in eternal paradise on January 10th, 2024.

2 Timothy 4:6-8 NLT, says: ”As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for ALL who eagerly look forward to his appearing.“ Selah

If you knew Mrs. Martha Harriett Wilkins Brown, you would know this to be her testimony and hope.

Born January 2nd in the year 1941, Mrs. Martha Harriett Wilkins Brown was born to Mable Wilkins and Langston Day at her home on 324 Bute Street in Norfolk, Va. Though a native of Norfolk, Harriett grew up in Scotland Neck, North Carolina. She was raised by her Aunt Hattie (her mother's eldest sister) who loved Harriett like she was her own. She always recalled growing up in the country as one of the happiest highlights of her life. She fondly remembered hot summers, playing barefoot in the grass with her many cousins who lived just over the hill. She accredited herself to being a tomboy with the strength to back it up due to growing up with her older boy cousins. After her Aunt passed away, Harriett at the tender age of 11 found her way back to her mother in Norfolk, Va on her own. There she met the LOVE of her life, Mr. William "Rat" Brown in 1954 at the age of 13. They married on December 6th, 1963 and together had four children who now survive her.

Harriett was a long time member of New Hope COGIC in Norfolk, Va where she served in the choir and also served as an usher. She also briefly attended The Bibleway Evangelistic Temple COGIC and Enoch Baptist Church of Virginia Beach. Throughout her life, Harriett worked in Dietary Special Functions at Leigh Memorial Hospital, where she collaborated closely with Sentara administrators. In her passion to stay busy after retirement she had several post retirement jobs including running her own business, Brown’s Janitorial Service that she shared with her late husband Mr. William Brown. In her spare time, Harriett enjoyed cooking and sharing her delicious dishes with those around her. She dreamed of starting a soul food business and serving food from a food truck and instead opted to taking orders by phone. Her smothered pork chops with sautéed onions, macaroni and cheese, greens, and homemade yeast rolls were most memorable.

”If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.“

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NLT

Harriett loved God, loved people and professed that God is LOVE to any who would listen. She was a sweet, sweet woman filled with the strength to persevere, always surrendering any problems to the Lord. She was often heard saying “you have to shake the dust off your feet and keep it moving” when someone wasn’t treating you right.

”But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet.

Mark 6:11 NLT

Also, that “if you do something for someone else, you do it from your heart, you don’t do it to get something back from them”. As well as, “if you love me show me. Don't tell me with your words, show me with your actions”. Finally, “If you do the right thing, the right thing will ALWAYS come back to you.” These words of wisdom will not be forgotten.

In her final year of life she increasingly sought out rest,joy, peace, and love, clinging to those who provided it.

(“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalms 4:8

“I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.” Psalms 55:6

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalms 23)

After being invited to a sleep over in April of 2023, with three generations of her family around her she noticed the sun was going down and said I don’t want to go back home because there is nothing there for me. I want to stay with you all and with that said she laid her claim in the homes of her daughter and granddaughter where she enjoyed girls nights, sleep over parties, makeovers, spa days, movie nights watching Mulan and the live action little mermaid, runs to Rita’s Italian ice, all her favorite meals, opening Christmas presents from under the tree, road trips, drives around town, jam sessions with her favorite Motown songs, lots of dancing, laughter, and joy. These memories will be forever cherished and our ancestor Harriett will be missed immensely.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in Harriett's memory to support her wishes to be cremated and laid to rest with her late husband Mr. William Brown here: [gofund.me/90012f25" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://gofund.me/90012f25*5D(https:/*gofund.me/90012f25)__;JS8!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!P-rEJV8LRkcAK5saejso8oTPpx9xSio0p1UxIcj1dBZJUaiAP5dzewPYC4KH5W7izSiFqd1jsFDm9tSmgaRMSmClA0I$[gofund[.]me].

Hymn-

I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold

I'd rather be His than have riches untold

I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land

I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Than to be the king of a vast domain

And be held in sin's dread sway

I'd rather have Jesus than anything

This world affords today

I'd rather have Jesus than worldly applause

I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause

I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame

Yes, I'd rather be true to His holy name

Than to be the king of a vast domain

And be held in sin's dread sway

I'd rather have Jesus than anything

This world affords today

Deepest, deepest- {Thank You} to those who have advocated, loved and cared for Harriett in her final days in life and in death. We are forever grateful to you.