Pearlie M. Brown

Pearlie M. Brown was the youngest of three children born to Albert and Elsie House in Sherburne, Louisiana on July 24, 1935. She received her eternal reward on January 1, 2016. Pearlie moved to Houston, Texas at the tender age of 17 to live with her sister. She was baptized at the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas under the pastorate of Rev. McCardell. Pearlie moved to Oceanside, California in 1957. She enrolled in and graduated from Business School as a Secretary. Under the pastorate of Rev. J.L. Rowson, she joined the St. John Missionary Baptist Church in 1957. Her pastor assisted her with getting a job at the combined campuses of Oceanside – Carlsbad High School and Mira Costa College as a Security Guard. The Lord sent Pearlie a special man who captured her heart in the person of Herbert J. Brown. They united in holy matrimony on December 1, 1967 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Lord blessed this union with one son, Herbert J. Brown, II. They built a life together working, fishing, bowling, being involved in community events, and attending plays and banquets, where many times they were the only African Americans in attendance. Pearlie was a businesswoman who operated a Licensed Day Care in her home from 1970 – 1993. Many of Oceanside’s children reaped the benefits of the “Pearlie Brown Special Brand of Love”. She honored Herbert J. Brown as the priest of her family for 34 years until his death on November 9, 2002. Throughout her membership at St. John, she served as Superintendent of the BYU, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, served as a deacon’s wife, served as President of the Women’s Missionary Union for 20 years (1977-1997), and was a member of Ruth Circle where she served as Vice President. She was appointed as a Mother of the Church in 2005 by her former pastor, Rev. Anthony C. Frazier, Sr. She served on the 2013-2014 Pastoral Search Committee and was instrumental in identifying God’s choice in the person of our new pastor, Rev. Kadri J. Webb and oh how she loved her pastor. She faithfully attended worship, Praying Meeting, Bible Study and was a faithful tither and grace giver. Mother Brown began participating in the Progressive Baptist District Association in 1975 under the leadership of Moderator, Dr. S.M. Lockridge. She served first as Financial Secretary under the leadership of Sis. Exie Howard and then later gave dynamic leadership herself as President of the Progressive Baptist District Association Senior Women’s Auxiliary. She remained faithful in the work even when she was serving as President Emeritus and the Marketing Strategist for the Arts and Crafts Department whose sales benefited the Progressive Scholarship Fund. Mother Brown especially loved the work of the union. At the state level, she was a faithful member of the California Missionary Baptist State Convention, where she served in many capacities, but most recently as the Vice President of the Women’s Auxiliary, where her leadership and wealth of knowledge of the work were respected by all. And for her, it was a natural progression to attend and participate in the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America Women’s Auxiliary. Pearlie lovingly embraced the values and concepts of the Order of the Eastern Star for nearly 62 years. She became a member of the Most Worthy Mount Olive Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star on January 18, 1964 and St. Mary’s Chapter #105 Order of the Eastern Star where she was the Worthy Matron. Her community involvement included: Past President of the Women’s Community Club, a member of the Friendly Seniors, and a member of the Lutheran Church Quilters. Pearlie was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert J. Brown; her parents, Albert and Elsie House; her sister and her brother. She leaves to cherish her memory: her son, Herbert J. Brown, II (Francesetta); three sisters-in-law, Emma Brown (Clarence), Evelyn Williams (Arthur), and Carrie Adams (Lionel); her goddaughters, Saundra Cummings, Adrian Williamson, and Carmen Coleman; her children by divine assignment, Patricia Frazier, Ella Greer, Sabrina Hurst, Mel Laurent, Yvonne Turner, and Corlett Bunns; her “Golden Girls,” Mary Anderson, Veodie Boatman, Emma Davis, and Kay Montgomery; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Mother Pearlie Brown spent her years on this earth investing herself in her family and the lives of others. Mrs. Brown opened her heart and shared her finances and her home with anyone in need. She had a ready smile for anyone who would received God’s unique brand of love through her. We praise God for His unspeakable gift to us through this strong, regal woman of God.