Vergie Mae Brown

Vergie Mae Brown, 86, of Manchester, peacefully passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025, in the comfort of her own home. Born in Marlow, Georgia, Vergie moved to Tennent, NJ at the age of 8. She later settled in Lakewood, NJ, where she lovingly raised the family, she adored. For the past 25 years, Vergie made her home in Manchester, where she continued to surround her loved ones with warmth, humor, and unwavering love.

Teaching was her calling and passion. Vergie dedicated many years to educating young students at Clifton Avenue Grade School in Lakewood, where her commitment and compassion were deeply appreciated . She retired in 1992 to lovingly care for her husband, Obie. Vergie was a woman of unmistakable elegance, always adorned in distinctive, eye-catching jewelry, and she brought warmth and vitality to every gathering with her quick wit and gracious humor. Her enduring love of music especially Motown and the Blues was a defining joy in her life, and she was often found on the dance floor, particularly when James Brown's music filled the room

Vergie enjoyed playing Scrabble, and if you ever beat her she would never admit it. Watching C-Span, and talking politics was always her thing. Traveling down any highway with soulful music playing or flying to the beloved Bahamas with the Golden Girls. Spending weekends at the flea market with her grandkids, she would always find the best deals! She was known for "throwing down" in the kitchen, anything she would put on your plate was made with love especially her famous oxtail spaghetti, collards, stuffing and sweet potato pies. Known for her signature gap and the twinkle in her eye her smile was so bright it could light up any room. As the matriarch of her family, she uplifted everyone who came into her presence. She was a woman of faith and loved the Lord and proclaimed "God is taking care of me, honey." To know her was to love her, and her laugh full, warm, and contagious will be deeply missed.

Vergie is predeceased by her husband, Obadiah (Obie) Brown (2000); son, Darryl Jenkins (2010); daughter, Debbi Jenkins (2015); brothers John and Charles Thompkins; sister Margaret Thompkins; grandchildren Darryl Jr. and Salikah; and great-grandchild Kater. She is also predeceased by her life companion, Robert Fitzpatrick whom she missed very much.

She is survived by her son, Rodney Jenkins (Carmen); sister, Minnie Jackson; eight grandchildren Thomas, Tyrone, Kenneth, Charmel, Jeremy, Lenore, Glenisha, and Xavier; twelve great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended loved ones.

A heartfelt thank you is extended to Glenda, Pat, Diane, Celeste, Debra (Debbie), Juliette, and Carmen for the love, compassion, and unwavering care they continuously provided each phone call, each visit, each moment of support, meant so much to the family.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 20, from 2:00–3:00 PM, with a 3:00 PM service at Oliverie Funeral Home, 125 S. Cooks Bridge Road, Jackson. Repast services will follow at the Freehold Elks.