CHESTERFIELD—On the evening of Thursday, April 4, 2024, our Lord called Josephine Curry Brown from labor to her eternal rest at Tyler’s Retreat at Ironbridge where she had been resting comfortably.
One of 17 children, she was born in Ditchley on August 30, 1933, to the late Marcus Alonzo and Mary Elizabeth Curry. Josephine was affectionately known as, “Mom, Momma, Aunt Josephine, Sister Brown and Ms. Josephine” by those who knew and loved her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Randolph Churchill Brown; brothers, Marcus Alonzo “Bubba” Curry Jr., James Cleveland Curry, Joseph Curry (her twin brother), Hovey Rice Curry and Rosamond Clarke Curry; and sisters, Rosa Isabella Curry Segar, Alma Beatrice Curry Henry, Carolyn Curry and Virginia Curry Morgan.
Josephine accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was a bold Christian throughout her life. One characteristic she was best known for was an unwillingness to compromise God’s direction to her. When God told her to do something, nothing or anyone was going to prevent her from doing it.
She completed her early education in the Northumberland Public School System. Upon graduating high school, Josephine moved to New York City, where she met and married the love of her life, Randolph Churchill Brown, and earned her master of arts degree in child psychology from the City University of New York (CUNY) System. This union resulted in five kids. However, in addition to their five, Randolph and Josephine loved and raised five nieces and nephews. Their home was also a respite for family members moving to New York and needing a place to live until they settled.
After many years in New York, Josephine returned to Kilmarnock and rejoined Calvary Baptist Church where she sang in the choir. As a senior saint, Josephine was self-conscious about her speech impediment but would not let that stop her from sharing the Word and helping guide younger people in their walk. She actively and regularly prayed for others and was a regular contributor to charities that support children.
After moving to Chesterfield in 2014, she had Bible study regularly on the phone with her granddaughter and attended Bible study in her building. Sister Brown often visited Union Branch Baptist Church until her declining health prevented her from attending in person. With the onset of the Covid pandemic, she was able to attend virtually (Gen. 50:20).
She enjoyed reading from her well-used bible but would prefer to use a pew bible because she was embarrassed by how tattered hers looked. We would often mention to her, “that’s a badge of honor.”
Mom had a strong, independent spirit and lived on her own until her health declined further. She was adamant about doing her daily exercises, not going out without her make-up, reading her Bible and praying constantly.
Left to cherish her legacy and loving spirit are five children, Randolph Michael “Randy” Brown (Charry), Ronald Brown, June Brown, Rodney Brown (Erica – fiancé), and Jill Brown; nine grandchildren, Randy Sharizf Brown, Naquann Bynum (Monchello), Corey Brown, Randolph Edward “RJ” Brown (Lena), Kendall Brown (Kiana – fiancé), Yazmin Ambers, Divine Ambers, Dwan Ambers and Lyril Subani; five great-grandchildren, Tytiana Brown-Weathers, Alana Bynum, Brooklyn Josephine Brown, Monchello Bynum Jr. and Anthony Randolph-Christian Brown; three loving sisters, Thelma Fisher (Raleigh), Margaret Hawkins (Carl) and Eldine Curry; four loving brothers, Carroll Curry (Maria), Morgan Curry (Geraldine), Bill Curry (Connie) and Floyd Curry; two very special friends, Madelyn Veney (lifetime friend) and Alcenier Edwards (Sister-In-Christ); and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and friends.
Services were held at 1 p.m., Monday, April 15, at Union Branch Baptist Church, 11519 River Road, Chesterfield, the Rev. Dr. Gregory M. Howard, pastor, eulogist. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Public viewing was held from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, April 14, at the funeral establishment and from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the church the day of the service.
J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, handled the arrangements. Watch the funeral services at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.
