Evangelist Betty Brown

Evangelist Betty Jean Brown was born on January 28, 1935 to Casey and Bernice Simmons in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was one of thirteen children. Betty received Christ at a very early age. She moved to St. Louis, Missouri in 1948 where she later met Roosevelt Brown, which to that union nine children were born. In 1972, Betty moved to Detroit, Michigan where she graduated from Wayne State University. She continued her education at Wayne State University with her Bachelors in Administration. Betty served as President of AFSCME for over 10 years, and she retired from Detroit Board of Transportation after 35 years of service. Betty was great at crocheting, loved wearing big hats, and a very snazzy dresser. In 1982, she joined Greater St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church where she served in many capacities. Later along her journey with Christ she moved to Sheffield, Alabama where she received the title of Evangelist and Reverend Mother. Betty loved God and she was a woman of faith, prayer and wisdom beyond measure. Betty was a woman who lived what God had called her to be; even up to her last days here on earth. On Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at Mt. Carmel West Hospital, Betty moved from this earth to Heaven. Preceded in death by both parents; her brothers James, Tommie, Robert and Pete; sister, Carolyn; her children, Velvest, Cornell, Tracey and special daughter, Vickie Russell and grandchildren, Dalvin, Albert and Braedan. She leaves to cherish in her memories, Roosevelt Brown; her children, Ernest, Glenn (Lori), Roosevelt (Toya), Jerry (Lori), Belinda (Kornelius) and Donna; her siblings Willa Meeks and Casey Simmons, Jr, twenty-four grandchildren; thirty-five great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.