Brown, Gladys
12/25/2011
GLADYS SNEED BROWN
NOVEMBER 23, 1911 – DECEMBER 25, 2011
Mom was a member of the Quitman United Methodist Church and was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Tillman A. Brown; and son, Travis D. Brown, Sr. Surviving are three sons and their spouses, Gerald and Mary Brown; Donnie and Sue Brown; and Wade and Cathey Brown; and daughter-in-law, Ann Brown. Mom loved children and especially her 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. (She asked that Memorials be made to the Louisiana United Methodist Children’s Home, Ruston, because she and Dad supported the children during their ministry.)
Mom was born in Dodson, Louisiana in 1911 and after 100 years of faithful service went “home” on Christmas Day, 2011. That morning, Gerald, oldest son, said “I think Mom is going to be invited to Jesus’ Birthday Party today” – and she was.
Being a “preacher’s wife” while raising four boys during these years was not easy, but Mom balanced her roles with grace and was always the perfect “Help Meet” for Dad. She devoted much of her time and energy as a caregiver to family members, including our Dad, until he passed away in 1990. She was also active in WSCS/UMW at all the churches where they served.
Mom was graceful in living and graceful in dying. The day before her birthday she was reminded that she was going to “100”, she said “OK, keep me posted”! This is just one example of her maintaining a sense of humor to the end.
As a girl, Mom sang in her school choir and continued her love of music throughout her life. She asked that her favorite songs (‘Abide With Me’; ‘Take My Hand, Precious Lord’; and, “Great is Thy Faithfulness’) be a part of her final service, along with her favorite scripture: Lamentations 3:22-27.
Mom was very special to her Grandchildren. Here are some examples of their memories of Mamaw:
you never judged me
your kindness
you never pretended to know everything
you were brave when you moved into an apartment
you raised four boys on a country preacher’s salary and worked a farm
you gave me ½ stick of juicy fruit or double mint gum in church to keep quiet
you unconditionally accepted me
you always made sure I had change for the offering plate
you let me sit on the countertop
you always wanted to visit
During her final times in multiple “care” facilities, she would always thank everyone who helped her. She was frail and sometimes just to be moved was painful. After being moved to get her into a more comfortable position, she would let the caregivers know she was grateful. She did not complain in this life and deserves the care she is being given now that she is “home.” Mom is missed, as Dad and Travis are, but we have the assurance that we will be with them when it is our time to go “home”. God is good!!!
Wade Brown
