Alma Brown
December 5, 1937 — June 11, 2018
Alma Tee Reed was born in Tallahassee, Florida on December 5, 1937 to the late Malbert Willie and Marie Houston Reed. Alma was the third of four daughters, the eldest of whom predeceased her on May 12, 2018. At the age of 14, she met the love of her life, James Henry Brown. They were united in holy matrimony on May 20, 1956 and were blessed with sixty-two years of marriage. Motherhood was something that Alma greatly looked forward to, but was told by doctors that it was not likely for her. By the grace of God, she was blessed to conceive five children.
Alma was known for her smile. She had a big heart and loved much. Many were drawn to her loving, motherly spirit and she became "Mom" to many everywhere she went.
Alma was a devout Christian and dedicated member of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith. She counted it as a blessing that she was able to serve as the Women's Supervisor in Jacksonville, and later the Assistant Florida District Supervisor. She was overwhelmed when she was honored by the National Women's Department and chosen as Supervisor of the Year. One of her joys was traveling to attend various Conferences and Conventions throughout the year. Even throughout her illness, the idea of getting strong enough to be able to travel to a Conference or Convention gave her immense joy; and God blessed her to attend several before she was called home. Her love for her church organization was prominent throughout her life.
In her youth, Alma dreamed of becoming a Librarian. With the support of her husband, she was able to realize that dream. In the late 60's, she began working for Jacksonville Public Library and her pursuit of attaining a degree. By 1979, she was able to attain her Associate's degree from Florida Junior College at Jacksonville and her Bachelor's degree from University of North Florida. while working full-time with three of her children still under the age of ten, she continued her pursuit of education and earned her Master's degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa, over 200 miles away. Her Master's degree allowed her to be promoted to a role that combined her love of children and education as the Senior Children's Librarian of the Jacksonville Public Library. She retired in 2003 after more than thirty years. In retirement she continued working with young people. She traveled to schools in the community reading to 3-5 year olds, while also encouraging parents on the importance of early reading skills. She often read for groups of children during her church's National Women and National Youth Conferences. She would get so excited about packing just the right books.
Alma was a business woman with an entrepreneurial spirit. Retirement didn't slow her down, it provided her more time to explore opportunities; she was always open to new opportunities. Her Avon business was one of those opportunities that she cherished. She was known affectionately as the Avon Lady in many circles. Her warm nature was so inviting that many times "deliveries" became cherished moments between friends. Although retired, she remained active, attending various activities in the senior community including road trips, exercise classes, health expos, and more. She lived her life fully.
Alma was always eager to learn and grow. In her later years, she saw that the world was becoming more technological but she wasn't threatened by it. She took classes to help her learn how to maneuver in a new world. To name of few of her new efficiencies; she regularly sent emails and text messages, she had a Facebook account, she learned how to market her Avon business online, she started selling products through Amazon and she learned how to use various apps on her phone and computer. She was even known to participate in an occasional video chat with her children and grandchildren.
Her strong faith in God has been an example to her family. Throughout her illness, she often reminded them that "God is in control!" She maintained a peaceful resolve that God's Will is always best for her! Upon her final discharge from the hospital, lying in her own bed, she smiled looking up and said "Thank you Jesus!"
Alma is survived by her husband (James), her children: Faith, Courtney (Reginald), Garnetta, Henrietta, James II, and her honorary daughters Arniesa (Ronald) and Rona (Andre); honorary grandchildren Andre, Jr and Anna; sisters: Rubye and Carrie; and a host of nieces and nephews, godchildren, and a host of loving extended family who affectionately call her "Mom."
Alma was known for her smile. She had a big heart and loved much. Many were drawn to her loving, motherly spirit and she became "Mom" to many everywhere she went.
Alma was a devout Christian and dedicated member of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith. She counted it as a blessing that she was able to serve as the Women's Supervisor in Jacksonville, and later the Assistant Florida District Supervisor. She was overwhelmed when she was honored by the National Women's Department and chosen as Supervisor of the Year. One of her joys was traveling to attend various Conferences and Conventions throughout the year. Even throughout her illness, the idea of getting strong enough to be able to travel to a Conference or Convention gave her immense joy; and God blessed her to attend several before she was called home. Her love for her church organization was prominent throughout her life.
In her youth, Alma dreamed of becoming a Librarian. With the support of her husband, she was able to realize that dream. In the late 60's, she began working for Jacksonville Public Library and her pursuit of attaining a degree. By 1979, she was able to attain her Associate's degree from Florida Junior College at Jacksonville and her Bachelor's degree from University of North Florida. while working full-time with three of her children still under the age of ten, she continued her pursuit of education and earned her Master's degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa, over 200 miles away. Her Master's degree allowed her to be promoted to a role that combined her love of children and education as the Senior Children's Librarian of the Jacksonville Public Library. She retired in 2003 after more than thirty years. In retirement she continued working with young people. She traveled to schools in the community reading to 3-5 year olds, while also encouraging parents on the importance of early reading skills. She often read for groups of children during her church's National Women and National Youth Conferences. She would get so excited about packing just the right books.
Alma was a business woman with an entrepreneurial spirit. Retirement didn't slow her down, it provided her more time to explore opportunities; she was always open to new opportunities. Her Avon business was one of those opportunities that she cherished. She was known affectionately as the Avon Lady in many circles. Her warm nature was so inviting that many times "deliveries" became cherished moments between friends. Although retired, she remained active, attending various activities in the senior community including road trips, exercise classes, health expos, and more. She lived her life fully.
Alma was always eager to learn and grow. In her later years, she saw that the world was becoming more technological but she wasn't threatened by it. She took classes to help her learn how to maneuver in a new world. To name of few of her new efficiencies; she regularly sent emails and text messages, she had a Facebook account, she learned how to market her Avon business online, she started selling products through Amazon and she learned how to use various apps on her phone and computer. She was even known to participate in an occasional video chat with her children and grandchildren.
Her strong faith in God has been an example to her family. Throughout her illness, she often reminded them that "God is in control!" She maintained a peaceful resolve that God's Will is always best for her! Upon her final discharge from the hospital, lying in her own bed, she smiled looking up and said "Thank you Jesus!"
Alma is survived by her husband (James), her children: Faith, Courtney (Reginald), Garnetta, Henrietta, James II, and her honorary daughters Arniesa (Ronald) and Rona (Andre); honorary grandchildren Andre, Jr and Anna; sisters: Rubye and Carrie; and a host of nieces and nephews, godchildren, and a host of loving extended family who affectionately call her "Mom."
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