Minnie Brown

1934 - 2025

In Loving Memory of Minnie Clara Brown.

"Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, she is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure."

A Life of Grace, Faith, and Love.

Minnie Clara Brown was born on October 14, 1934, in Brewton, Alabama, to Clara Taylor and Vernon Forbes. She grew up surrounded by warmth, family, and the values that shaped her extraordinary life: faith, love, hard work, and generosity. Minnie attended the prestigious Southern Normal School in Brewton, where she excelled academically, socially, and spiritually. She later attended Booker T. Washington Jr. College in Pensacola to study Nursing, laying the foundation for a lifelong career rooted in compassion and service. Her radiance, intelligence, and kindness shone so brightly that she was crowned Homecoming Queen, a title that reflected her inner and outer beauty.

A Love that Traveled the World.

Minnie met and married the love of her life, Virgil S. Brown, Jr., in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Together, they lived a love story that spanned continents. As a proud Air Force wife, Minnie embraced the adventurous life of military service, living in England and on the island of Crete-immersing herself in new cultures, building deep friendships, and creating a loving home wherever life led them.

In 1964, they returned to the United States, settling in Amarillo, Texas, where Minnie completed her Nursing Boards in 1965. Soon after, in 1967, the Brown family relocated to Mather Air Force Base in Rancho Cordova, California. In 1968, Minnie began her distinguished nursing career at Mercy General Hospital, where she served with grace, dedication, and professionalism until her retirement in 1995. She touched countless lives, offering comfort, compassion, and hope to patients and colleagues alike.

Faith and Devotion.

Minnie's life was firmly rooted in her Catholic faith. Baptized in 1954, she became an active and beloved member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and participated faithfully in the Catholic Daughters of America. She lived her faith through service, prayer, and kindness, reflecting God's love in every gesture.

Her elegance became part of her ministry. Every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Mass, Minnie entered the sanctuary dressed "to the T", her beautifully coordinated hats and outfits inspiring those around her. She believed deeply that honoring God meant presenting your best self, and she lived that belief with grace and dignity.

A Family Woman at Heart.

Family was Minnie's greatest joy and lifelong devotion. She shared a special, unbreakable bond with her mother, Clara Taylor. Together, they were known for their joyful companionship-partners in bingo, best friends, and friendly rivals in the kitchen. Their legendary "kitchen battles" to see who could make the best stuffing or sweet potato pie became the centerpiece of many family gatherings and cherished traditions.

Minnie and Virgil's union was blessed with five children who were the heartbeat of her world:

Virgil S. Brown III (Debbie Brown).

Michael Brown (Teri Brown).

Stephnia Brown.

Anthony Ray Brown (Faye Brown).

Reginald C. Brown (Marni Brown) (ex Nancy Brown).

Her pride grew with each generation. Minnie adored her grandchildren:

Virgil III's family: Virgil Douglas Brown IV (deceased), Richard Brown (Nancy Lopez).

Michael's family: Michael Brown Jr. (Ashley Brown), Alexandria Brown (Taylor Bagley), Clara Brown.

Anthony's family: Andria Nicole Brown (Briana Maxie), Carrie Brown, Amber Brown.

Reginald's family: Nathan Brown, Kelsey Brown, Whitney Dewberry.

And her great-grandchildren filled her heart with immeasurable joy:

Amber Brown – A'Mani Brown.

Carrie Brown – twins, Londyn and Landyn Brown.

Alexandria Bagley – Isaiah and Elias Bagley.

Richard Brown – Yesenia Lopez-Ambrz, Isabella Brown.

Whitney Dewberry- King Dewberry, Legend Dewberry.

Andria Brown – Josiah O'Neal.

Minnie was preceded in death by her beloved husband Virgil S. Brown, Jr. (2020), her cherished son Michael Brown (2021), and her adored grandson Virgil Douglas Brown IV (2023). Though she carried the weight of these losses, her faith and the love of her family sustained her.

The Bonds that Sustained Her.

Minnie's family extended far beyond her immediate household. She treasured her cousins Lamar Leonard, James Leonard, Kitty Nettles (2022), and Johnnie McVoy (2025), whose love and connection brought her immense comfort. The relocation of Lamar and James from Brewton, Alabama, to the West Coast was especially meaningful to Minnie and Virgil; it gave them the joy of watching Brewton roots flourish in California.

Their frequent phone calls, words of encouragement, and visits lifted Minnie's spirits-especially in her later years. She was grateful for the loving friendships of Lilly and Ronald Townsend and their children, Matt, Lisa, and Julie, as well as dear friends Rosie and B.J. Speed, her caring neighbor Nell Harris, and the countless friendships she built through church and bingo. Each relationship was special and held a lasting place in her heart.

A Heart for Hospitality and Joy.

Minnie was known for her outstanding cooking and warm hospitality. She and Virgil hosted large gatherings that became the heartbeat of family life. Their home was filled with joy, laughter, and the aromas of Minnie's famous dishes. To enter their home was to feel embraced by love. Minnie also became an avid sports fan-her passion sparked by watching her four boys play on their school teams. She loved cheering for her San Francisco 49ers and was "crazy about" her Sacramento Kings, celebrating victories with the same enthusiasm she brought to every part of her life.

A Spirit that Shines Forever.

Minnie's life was a masterclass in grace, resilience, and unconditional love. She had a gift for making every person feel valued, heard, and loved. Her laughter brightened rooms, her style inspired admiration, and her faith anchored everyone around her.

On October 31, 2025, Minnie completed her earthly journey and entered into her heavenly reward. Although her physical presence will be deeply missed, her spirit remains forever woven into the hearts of those who loved her. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, strength, and love that will continue to guide her family for generations.

"Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord." - Matthew 25:23.

Funeral Mass.

Friday, November 21st at 9:45 a.m.

St. John Vianney Church.

10497 Coloma Road, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670.

Repasse to follow at SJV.

Interment Service at 1:30 p.m.

East Lawn Memorial.

5757 Greenback Lane.

Sacramento, CA 95841.

The Mass will be streamed.