Josie Mae Brown

Josie Mae Elizabeth Brown, of Rixeyville, VA was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.  She was born on January 15, 1948, to the late George L. Russell Sr. & Josephine Harris Russell in Warrenton Virginia.

She was educated in Warrenton, VA.  She loved her job and worked as a government contractor for 51 years.  And she truly loved those who worked with her.  She gave her life to Christ at a young age and was baptized at Mt Zion Baptist Church, Warrenton, VA by Rev. Cunningham.  She enjoyed singing and was a member of 3 choirs.  She was also an usher and served on the Pastoral Committee under the leadership of Rev. James Little. 

She wed James L. Brown of Centerville, VA on June 17, 1972.  From this union, they loved, raised and trained Guy, Dani, Wardell, Boone and countless children who spent many days at their home, and all lovingly called her, Momma Josie.

She was also the Chaplain with The Wayland Blueridge Minister’s Wives & Widows Alliance.  She was on the Missionary Board at Mt. Zion BC and St. James BC.

James and Josie Brown lived and raised their family in Warrenton until 1985 when they moved to Rixeyville, VA.  Where they have watched their family grow and grow.

They have been the Pastor and First Lady of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Rochelle, VA since 1985. Where she served as a Missionary, sang in the choir and ushered.  She also taught Sunday school, and formed the Junior Ushers.

Anyone who knew Momma Josie knew she was a shoe fanatic with purses to match.  She was always dressed for the occasion, no matter what the occasion.  She had beautiful clothes, shoes and all the accessories that lined every closet in the house.  All shoes in alphabetical order according to color!

She leaves behind to mourn her loss her husband of 52 years, Rev. James L. Brown, Rixeyville, VA, her children, Guy S. Roy, (Windy), Locust Grove, VA, Daniella “Dani” Holmes (Vernon), Orange, VA, Wardell Brown, (Robyn) of Linden, VA, & Daniel “Boone” Brown (Angie) of Culpeper, VA.  Her grandchildren, Ryan Tillman (Michael) of Fredericksburg, VA, Christina Wormley (Nathan), Culpeper, VA, Jasmine Henderson (Timothy), Manassas, VA, Brandon Roy (Brianna), Culpeper VA, Asia Brown, Florida, Jonathan Bailey (Amalia), Fredericksburg, VA, Ebony Brown, Remington, VA, DeAunte Holmes (Nellie), VA Beach, VA, Danielle Charles (New), Tampa FL, Ashlee Holmes, VA Beach, VA, Chantelle Roy, Burke, VA,  Taylor Brown, Fairfax, VA , Joseph Gray(Candice), Remington, VA, Trey Brown, Tampa Fl. Her God daughter, Tamisha Walker, Dumfries, VA.   A sister, Georgia Brown, Falls Church, VA, and her brother, George “Lonnie” Russell.    Her good friends, who were like sisters to her, Elizabeth “Carol” of Manassas, VA and Shirley Strothers, Orange VA.  She was preceded in death by her best friend, Gertie Marshall of Warrenton, VA.  She loved being with the Marshall family and celebrated many birthdays and holidays with them.   She had 18 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends who will miss her presence. 

She loved her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.  She loved to get down in the floor, and let them ride her back, help them hit a ball with a bat, give them money for their piggy banks, take them clothes shopping (her favorite thing to do) and laugh with them.  She adored her family and would always be there for them in good times, bad times and the ugly times.  She could always be counted on to get up in the middle of the night and drive to a sick child, grandchild or great- grand.  She loved driving, cleaning, sharing the word of God and being with her family! She also had a beautiful butterfly collection and could be seen wearing a butterfly pin anytime.  She could always be found on a Saturday morning getting her hair done by Judy Gray, whom she loved very much.  She was a very strong person and very little could cause her to sit down.  She took pride in, and always gave her very best in everything she did.   She would quickly tell you the truth about yourself and give you the Word of God to back it up.  She stood boldly for God and never hesitated to tell you about the goodness of God.  She has left her family and friends a legacy of faith, fearlessness and love!  And for that, we give God all the Glory!

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at The Wayland Blue Ridge Baptist Center - 15044 Ryland Chapel Road, Rixeyville, VA. 22737.  Family and Friends Visitation will begin at 11:00 A.M. and the Funeral Service will start at 12:00 P.M.  The Burial will take place in the Saint James Baptist Church Cemetery - 7353 Botha Road, Bealeton, VA. 22712.

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