Anointed Pastor, loving
mother, and constant giver, Pastor Essie Pearl Merritt Brown, went home to
be with the Lord on Thursday February 3, 2011. Just prior to her passing, she spent the
week preaching, teaching and praising God as only she could. Truly many
were blessed by her recent sermon, "The Wisdom of a Blind Man"
and her teaching on, "Being Caught Up to Meet the Lord." The
anointing Pastor had on her life always provided a message in due season.
As a loving mother and wife,
she reminded her family the importance of putting God first in every area
of life. She believed in holiness and living a holy life by example. Many
nights in her bedroom (also called "The Throne Room" by her son
Marvin) she could be heard lifting family up in prayer. Her husband, Percy,
would often talk of the sacrifices she made in caring for the family when
his job required long distance travel.
Pastor's motherly love extended
well beyond her immediate family. Many nieces, nephews and grandchildren all spent time
raised in her home affectionately called, "Boot Camp." She
enjoyed the motherly figure she became to others as well. She often called
them her adopted children. She was a constant source of wisdom, faith, and
encouragement to all that knew her. Her greatest desire was to see all her
loved ones saved.
Her love and generosity
impacted many lives. Having a heart for giving, she often would share her
time, money, and possessions to those who were in need. Many were blessed
through her timely giving.
Pastor Brown graduated from
Spaulding High School of Spring Hope, North Carolina. Upon graduation she
attended Saint Augustine's College. Later she obtained her Masters of
Divinity from the Bearue Bible Institute under the direction of Dr. J.D.
Thomas.
Pastor Brown worked in her
professional life as an Accountant for United Parcel Service. After
numerous years of dedicated service, she retired early to pursue her call
into full time ministry. She began her ministry as a gifted singer and
piano player. The Holy Spirit later used these gifts in the office of
Evangelist. Pastor had a strong desire to preach the gospel and to lead
others to Christ.
In 1988, Evangelist Brown became
the Assistant Pastor of First Baptist Church of Middlesex. In July 1993,
she assumed the responsibilities of Pastor. She began to share the vision
that God gave her for the Church.
With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it was her desire to develop the
whole individual spirit, soul, and body. She believed that as individuals
were affected, the community would also grow spiritually.
Under her leadership, church
membership grew and a new sanctuary was built in 2001, resulting in the
construction of the First Baptist Church Campsite and Family Center.
Through the Holy Spirit's guidance, she was also led to create an
environment for Godly youth development and fellowship. This resulted in
the construction of the First Baptist Youth Center and Gym. She pursued,
taught, and expected excellence in serving the Lord.
Pastor Essie Pearl Brown was
preceded in death by: two brothers, Haywood Merritt and Evon Merritt; and
three sisters, Hattie Joyce Merritt, Fannie L. Jones and Molly Peppers.
Pastor Brown, is survived by:
her husband, Percy Brown Jr.; three sons, all of Raleigh, NC, Percy Rathel
Brown III, Marvin Terey Brown and Kelton Troy Brown (Tabatha); five
grandchildren, Brittany K. Thomas (Mark), Bridgette Brown, Percy Brown IV,
Grace Brown and Kelton Troy Brown II; two great grandchildren, Michelle
Thomas and Mark Thomas Jr.; five sisters, Levata Jean Barnes (James) of
Jacksonville NC, Willie Elaine Merritt of Middlesex, NC, Dorothy Johnson
(Marvin) of Palm Bay, FL, Phillistine Merritt of Suitland, MD and Arnita R.
Simon of Middlesex, NC; three brothers, Avon Merritt Jr. of Hampton ,VA,
James Charles Merritt of Killeen, TX and William Harold Simmons (Mary) of
Rockledge, FL; a special aunt, Evelyn Jones of Highpoint, NC; several
nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
