Jean Brown

Jean Brown was born April 5, 1933, to the union of John and Samella White in Virginia. Jean was 1 of 16 children. As a preteen the family moved to the Pittsburgh area where she spent her teenage years in the Beltzhoover neighborhood. Jean graduated from South Hills high school and began working. Being raised in a Christian home, Jean met the Lord early in her life and had an undeniable life long journey with God. In her early twenties she met and married Theodore Smedley Sr and
through their union they had 3 children.

After the sudden death of Theodore Smedley, she raised her children under the guidance and dependence of the Holy Spirit. During this time, Jean was employed with the Pittsburgh Public school system and continued being an active participant in the church. Whether it was being a Sunday school teacher, helping organize church functions, making costumes, writing poems, putting on church plays. Along with her twin sister Joan Jefferson and sister Evelyn Walker, who played the piano, sang gospel music throughout the city and were frequent guests on multiple church programs. While being an active member of Clark Memorial Baptist Church, she met and married Deacon Willard Brown. During their marriage, they co-created the "Saturday Night Prayer Band". This was a highly successful evangelistic outreach, spreading the gospel to multiple inner-city communities. Many souls were saved through this ministry.

Jean also graduated top of her class from the Harty Bible school and could quote scriptures like nobody's business! After the sudden death of Willard Brown, Jean returned to school where she received a teaching degree that enabled her to specialize in working with socially and emotionally disturbed children, which she did until she retired from the school district at age 65.

After her retirement Jean did not settle down. She was called as an Intercessor and became a prayer warrior throughout the church community. Jean also spent her time helping to raise her growing number of grandchildren, ministering to family members and friends, and mentoring new converts, introducing Christ to whoever would listen. Jean loved her family, making Sunday meals to bring them all together. She made the best pot of collard greens in what the family calls "Mama Jean Greens", and mouth-watering mashed potatoes in this old beat-up red pot and the best stuffed cabbage this side of heaven! She loved celebrating birthday parties of the grandkids, picnics, BBQ's, but she always made her way to church on Sundays. Jean would never compromise her salvation; she was a true woman of God!

She leaves to carry her torch, her children: Theodore Smedley Jr, Patricia Hurley, Janice Smedley-Hollaman. Niece, Norma Kelley with whom she shared a special bond; 13 Grandchildren: Theodore Smedley III, Sheila Smedley, Ricco Smedley, Tameeka Johnson, Jasmine Cleveland, Douglas Hollaman, (preceded in death Danielle Cleveland), Carmen Smedley, Leon "Petey" Cleveland, Camille White, Darla Gallmore, Canaan Cleveland, Terrance Hollaman; Twenty-five great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.

We have to mention her twin sister Joan Jefferson who left this world January 1st one week after Jean's passing. They both carried the faith all their lives and now stand together in the throne room. Hallelujah!