Mary Francis Brown

MARY FRANCIS BROWN was born in Blountstown, Florida, on April 20, 1938, to Mr. Hutchinson and Annie Mae Harris. She lived in Gulf County, in the town of Port St. Joe, Florida, located on St. Joseph Bay. She was raised by her mother and bonus dad, Robert "Bubba" Wigham. Mary Francis was the second of three children, and on March 8, 2026, she transitioned to her glory resting place. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, King Horace Brown, Sr.; special daughter, Connie Brown-Cox; sister, Dorothy Conley; and brother, Henry Wesley.

She graduated from Port St. Joe High School, home of the Sharks, and then attended that HBCU that sits on the "Highest of Seven Hills," Florida A&M University. Okay Rattlers, there's some Wildcats in the house.

Mary Francis' years of occupation included: chef at the Bradenton Country Club, Morrison's and Piccadilly Cafeteria, and retirement from Tropicana after some twenty plus years. For Mary Francis, cooking was her love language that brought joy and comfort to both herself and those she fed. She could take the simplest of ingredients and transform them into expressions of care. Her meals were nurturing. You could see and taste the love and care in every bite. She was also fond of crossword puzzles. It didn't matter if it was from the Bradenton Herald, People magazine, or a personal purchased book from the local store. She got a thrill from the mental challenge, and pure satisfaction upon completion. Like her husband, she too had a liking for fashion. Her style was personal, nostalgic, and practical. She had that knack for dressing well.

She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, and lived a life fully committed to God. She was an active member of Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church prior to her hospitalization on February 14, 2026. She served on various boards and auxiliaries, and some of her dedicated contributions include: Usher, a first representative of the church, who warmly greeted members and visitors at the door; a vital spiritual Church Steward, acting as liaison between the pastor and congregation; Church Trustee, acting as a legal custodian, responsible for helping to manage and maintain the church property; Church Culinary Team member, responsible for planning and preparing meals while ensuring all health and safety standards were met; Women's Missionary Society; Lay organization; Senior Adult ministry; Honorary Choir Member; and her recent appointment as a Deaconess, who truly served with compassion, mercy, and spiritual care.

Mary Francis lived a life with deep devotion to God and family. She lived by faith, guided by grace, and walked daily with her Savior. She was the matriarch, that go-to person, helping to lead us through this world. Her life was a beautiful prayer, and her love was a living testament to her faith in God. She was truly a beacon of light. Praise God!!!

Mary Francis leaves a legacy of selflessness and enduring love that will be cherished in the hearts of those she leaves behind: children, Deborah K. Hutchinson (Kenny, deceased), Jasmine N. Parham (Warren), Pamela V. Hall (Freddie), and King H. Brown, Jr. (Kim); grandchildren, Travis A. Parham, Amanda Jackson-Belvin (Kenneth), and Kimberly K. Brown; great-grandchildren, La'Niyah H. Bostic, Kegan L. Belvin, Rhyland K. Washington, and Lady Kensleigh Belvin of Memphis. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, loving relatives, and friends.