Dorothy Mae Brewer

Dorothy Mae “Madear” Bendy was born February 9, 1928. She was the only daughter of Carrie Jones Bendy and Bernice Bendy. It was in school that she developed a love for reading. At a young age her parents relocated from Texas to Louisiana. Dorothy confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Moriah B.C. by the late Rev. Austin. She later united with the Willow Chute B.C., where Rev. Robert Terrell was Pastor. Upon her death, Madear was the oldest member of Willow Chute B.C.

A Time to Live...

Dorothy Mae “Madear” Bendy became Dorothy Mae Brewer when united in holy matrimony with the late Deacon John L. Brewer, Sr. They raised their eight children (and later grandchildren) right on Cooper Road, which is now known as Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. She instilled in her children morals and values and took pride in her home. She worked private home jobs in order to assist her husband (whom she affectionally called John L.) in making provisions for their eight children. Madear had a firm hand and believed in correction while displaying unconditional love. She encouraged her children to love God, trust God, always keep the family first, and put your hands to the plow. Madear’s house was always open for family, friends, and kindred minds. She made everyone feel welcome! Madear loved to feed her family. When she became a grandmother, she would make sure she and “Paw-Paw” went to the store to buy all the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren enough food to eat for the holiday season and have enough to take home. She would often host “home-made biscuit night” which was an absolute family favorite. She enjoyed cooking peach cobbler, seafood dressing, and everybody loved her cabbage greens. Madear was the family doctor and counselor; she had all the home-made remedies or the absolute right words to say whether you wanted to hear it or not. Madear always prayed for and with her children. She not only prayed for them, but she would drop her family off a “few dollars” for special occasions, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Madear was an avid shopper and she loved hats, purses, shoes and antiques. She passed some of those traits down to her daughters, granddaughters and grandsons. Madear was a wise lady and her mere presence was a breath of fresh air!

A Time to Die...

Madear was preceded in death by her loving husband, “John L.”, with whom she was united for 63 years until his transition; her parents; grandson, Jason Savannah; granddaughter, Chelsey Brewer; great-granddaughter, Faith Whitaker; great-grandson, Aden Jackson; two sons-in-love, Rev. Harry Monroe and Dea. Cleophus Banks, Jr.

Dorothy “Madear” set her house in order a long time ago and she made certain all eight of her children knew the Lord. Madear loved the church and loved God even more. Her work spoke volumes in the church as she was a part of the following ministries over the years: Sunday School Ministry, Kitchen Ministry, Vacation Bible School Ministry, Program Chairman Ministry, and she served as Deaconess Ministry (past President) and B.T.U. Ministry. She served on the Deaconess Ministry until her death. Madear told all her children on her death bed: “I want all ya’ll to know that I love all ya’ll and get your lives straightened out because Jesus is coming back. I wanna see you in heaven!”

She was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and she left with the consolation of the words from the book of Psalm. To my great-great-grandchildren: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” - Psalm 91:1 — To my great-grandchildren: “God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, Selah!” - Psalm 67:1 — To my grandchildren: “O magnify the Lord with me, Let US EXALT HIS NAME TOGETHER.” - Psalm 34:3 — Finally, to my eight children: “Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not all his benefits.” Psalm 103:2

Along with these scriptures, Madear will always be with us because parts of her are left behind in her eight children: Linda Banks, Dorothy K. Monroe, John Brewer Jr. (Rosemary), Belton, Missouri, Carrie Martin (“Ted”)of Raleigh, North Carolina, Harold Brewer (“Toy”), Stanley Brewer (“Pat”) of Dallas, Texas, Glen Brewer (Teresa) of Houston, Texas, and Renee Brewer; twenty-eight grandchildren; forty-nine great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; two bonus daughters, Tonya Jacobs and Shirley Wills; a special cousin, Lorene VanRoss; the Willow Chute B.C. Family, the Douglas Family, the Morgan Family; and a host of extended family members and friends.

“But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him and his righteousness unto children’s children!” - Psalm 17

All are invited to join us via live stream on this memorial page at 11am Friday, September 29, 2023, as we celebrate the life of our beloved Dorothy Mae "Madear" Brewer. https://youtube.com/live/a59gAniBUGA?feature=share

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Brewer family.