Virgie Brown

Mrs. Virgie Eddings was born October 7, 1930 in Baggs, Oklahoma by way of twin birth in the line of 12 children born to Jim Henry and Patsey Eddings. The family migrated to Yuma, Arizona in 1935. Her father founded the Rose of Sharon Church where she received the Holy Spirit at the age of 7, enabling obedience to the Lord with scriptural teaching, eventually heeding the call of Missionary-Evangelist.

Virgie met and married Sam Brown, (preceded in death in 1973), from Lone Wolf, Oklahoma. Nine children were born to this union of 25 years.

Mother Brown taught the young women through scripture how to carry themselves a women, wives, and mothers. When she wanted to get a point across she would end her statement with "Think about it." Mother Brown also served as the local, district and state president of the AZ COGIC Prayer and Bible Band.

She was very civic-minded and believed each citizen should do his or or her part for their community. She would be often heard saying, "Stand up and be counted!" Mrs. Brown became the first female president of the Yuma chapter NAACP, increasing the membership exponentially, and instituted the celebration of Juneteenth in the Yuma area. Missionary-Evangelist Brown was a long time member of the Ministerial and Democratic Societies for many years.

She leaves nine children to cherish her memory. Paulette: mother of Jim Caleb, (preceded in death in 2007) and Michelle (David Uto). Calvin with wife Rosa: father of Calvin II, Rachel (Byron Day) and Brian. Timothy with wife Doretha: father of Susan, MaLynn, and Joe. Samuel: father of Samuel II, Ivan, and Simone. Jennifer: mother of Randy (Terry) Shawn, and Constance (Albert Tejeda). Lucinda with husband Karey Downing: Lezlee (Orlando Coursey), Brenton (Brenae) (Rodney, and Ramia. Mark with wife Yvette: father of Mark II, Kierra, Daniel and Delaney. Hattie: mother of TaKisha. Rose Marie with husband Theodore White: mother of Chelsea (Benjamin), Jasmine (Tahj) and Theodore.

She is also blessed with 28 1/2 great-grandchildren.

After raising her own children, Virgie raised the next generation of youths in her home daycare. For 33 years, "Grannie" taught children of every race,color and creed good manners, friendship, and most importantly, that Jesus Loves the Little Children.