No words can express the love and compassion Dr. Brown has had for people everywhere. To know her is to love her. She will be greatly missed. My heart is heavy but I know the praise in heaven is reigning out, a true warrior of God has come home. Thank you Dr. Brown for living a life of sacrifice so we all can have another example of what true holy living is all about. My life will never be the same from knowing Dr. Helen L. Brown
On Friday, July 3rd my Grandmother, Dr. Helen L. Brown took her rightful place in heaven. Although many have (and will) mourn her passing, she truly made the world a better place while she was here. Over the span of 80 years, she established herself as a faithful servant to God and those who came into contact with her. Dr. Brown embodied many of the traits that are found in a successful leader; strength, compassion, and mercy. Yet, her personal brand is rooted in two words, faith and love.
Faith is defined on “belief that is not based on proof” and my Grandmother lived her life based on her faith in God. This faith, however, was not for the pulpit alone. It extended to many, many people across the globe. Her faith in God lead her to change the lives of people who lacked faith and hope.
Love is one of the most confusing words in the English language. With such a wide variety of meaning, it is difficult to understand what love really is, unless you knew my Grandmother. Not many people glow with love, but Dr. Brown did. As Lionel mentioned, to know her is to love her and many people felt the same.
I am proud to have been in the presence of Dr. Helen L. Brown in my short time on Earth. Her faith and love serve as a wonderful example of an American hero. I will always miss her smile, her advice, and her touch. You will always be in my heart, and I know you are looking down smiling on me. I love you Grandma.
Obituary from The Toledo Blade
Dr. Helen L. (Harris) , age 80, of Toledo, departed this life July 3, 2008. She was born March 9, 1928, to the union of William and Henrietta (Boyle) Harris. She graduated from Jesup W. Scott High School and she then went on to graduate from nursing school. She received her Doctorate of Divinity from Christian Bible Center Institute of New Jersey. Dr. Brown’s spiritual background includes over 24 years of youth ministry and evangelism at Trinity Faith Tabernacle where she became pastor in 1988. She was known throughout the world as an anointed, spirit-filled prophetess and dynamic woman of God who believed in preaching and teaching true holiness. She believed in staying before the Lord in prayer. Dr. Brown carried a great love for people and she established many outreach programs. No matter where she went, everyone fell in love with her. To know her was to love her. Dr. Brown was married to the late Elder William Brown for over 50 years and within this marriage (4) beautiful children were born: son, William (Christine) Brown II; daughters, Katherine (Joe) McKinney, Patricia (Bobby) Smith; brother, Herbert Johnson. She had (5) daughters who lived in her home and with guidance and love she helped rear; 35 grandchildren and 25 great-grand-children. She was preceded in eternal life by her daughter, Emma (Cliff) Woodward and 11 siblings. Memorial Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 from 6-8 p.m., viewing will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 9, 2008, funeral service to follow at 11:30 a.m., all at Trinity Faith Tabernacle, 1302 N. Huron St. Assistant Pastor Earnest Morton, Dr. Eloise Young, Eulogist. Interment, Historic Woodlawn Cemetery.
It sounds like she lived a long and good life. It is good to know that right now she is with the Lord.
The theme of her funeral was “to know her, was to love her” and that was all too true about her life. Thanks for your comments.
My prayers are with your family. God Bless.
Thanks, her funeral was today and it was beautiful!
My Grandma, Helen Brown, died many years ago. I was delighted to read your tribute for your Grandma Brown.
Love,
Geri
Thanks Geri!