Ruth (Smith) Brown

Ruth Virginia Brown was born August 29, 1924, to the late Charlie C. and Lula Bruce Smith in Lafayette County. Mother Brown accepted Christ at an early age and united with Flint Hill M.B. Church in Abbeville, MS. Mother Brown later joined South Hopewell M.B. Church after uniting in marriage to Deacon Leland Brown. She was a faithful member in her Church. She played a pivotal role on the kitchen committee, served on the Mother Board and never missed a first Sunday to ensure the Communion table was properly setup. You could count on her to participate in various roles in the Church.

Mother Ruth attended Rock Hill Elementary School in Etta, MS. She received her high school diploma from Oxford Training School. She furthered her education attending Rust College in Holly Spring, MS. for two years and she taught Pre School for several years in Etta, MS.

Mother Brown did not have any biological children of her own but was a mother to many. She and her husband adopted two beautiful girls, Shirley (Meridian, MS) and Jeanette (Houston, TX) in their early age and raised them in a Christian environment. Today, they are very successful women. She was also, a mother to eight children from her late husband Deacon Leland Brown. They all adored her for her loving kindness and wisdom to them and their children. Mother loved her niece Shelia Smith as one of her own, she relied heavily on her as she grew older in life.

Mother Ruth was entrusted to care for Mr. & Mrs. John and Christy Parker’s two small children, Anna Carson and John Paul until their teenage years. She loved the Parker family and often talked about them. They loved Mother Brown back unconditionally.

Mother Ruth was a past Grand Deputy of the Order of Eastern Star and Associate Matron of the Philadelphia Chapter 287 O.E.S., until her health began to fail. She always looked forward to going to Jackson, MS every year to be with her Eastern Star sisters and brothers.

Mother Ruth was blessed with many skillful talents.

Mother was an expert seamstress. If you had an idea of what you wanted, she would make it into a beautiful piece of clothing that you would be proud to wear. People would come near and far for her to make or do alteration on their garments. She even made several men’s suits those men wore proudly. She once held sewing classes in her home for many years. She was employed at renowned Duvall’s Clothing store on the Oxford Square for more than 20 years as a seamstress.

Mother was a fantastic cook. She loved baking and canning. Many people would stop by to get some of her food and canned products. She also loved to cook and eat wild game meat. She was the best!

“Give me my flowers while I’m here.” Mother loved all types of flowers. She spent numerous hours taking care of her plants. When mother went to the store, she would come back with a flower in hand. She had the most beautiful yard in her neighborhood. 

Mother Ruth Brown leaves to cherish her memory, Daughters: Shirley Enterkin of Meridian, MS, Jeanette Brown of Houston, TX, and Martha H. Brown of Davenport, IA; Sons: Lee Russell (Ada Ruth) Brown of Dayton, Ohio, Leland Brown, Jr. of Batesville, MS and Willie A. Brown of Davenport, IA. Her special god children, Anna Carson and John Paul Parker of Oxford, MS; Her siblings: Marzee Smith of Racine, WI, James Cliff Smith of Buffalo, NY and Lula Grace (Walter) Kilgore of Grand Rapid, MI. She also leaves 19 Grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

On the morning of October 11, 2023, Mother Brown transitioned to her heavenly home at the age of 99 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents Charlie and Lula Smith, husband, Leland Brown, Two brothers Joe Louis and Charlie Smith, Jr and four sisters Ethel Jennings, Queenie Martin, Bessie Lee Smith and Eula Mae Smith and children, Walter, Jesse, Lee Edward, Hubert, Exie Mae, and Clara Mae.

Please keep the family in your prayers.