Rosea Mae Brown

Rosea Brown was born on September 28, 1957, in West Memphis, Arkansas, to Mack and Ruby Brown. In 1969, she moved with her family to Benton Harbor, Michigan, where she would build a life rooted in faith, service, and love.

Rosea became a devoted member of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Coleman Gray. She served faithfully in many capacities—singing in the choir, serving on the Usher Board, and stepping in wherever she was needed. Her willingness to serve was one of her greatest gifts, and she carried it with grace.

Her love for children guided her professional life. Rosea worked as a teacher at Tri-County Head Start and Rainbow Childcare, touching countless young lives with patience, kindness, and joy until her retirement. Outside the classroom, she shared another passion—baking. Her caramel, lemon, and chocolate cakes became beloved staples among family and friends, each one made with the same love she poured into every part of her life.

Family was the center of Rosea’s world. In earlier years, her home was the gathering place for her nieces and nephews, all of whom she cherished deeply. Even as her health declined, Rosea continued to greet life with a warm smile and unwavering strength, inspiring everyone around her.

Rosea leaves to cherish her memory two sons whom she loved wholeheartedly: Theron (Amora) Brown of Houston, Texas, and James Cummings Jr. of South Bend, Indiana; two grandchildren: Kimionna Rivera and Ky’mon Rivera-Cummings; two brothers: Dennis (Ann) Brown of St. Joseph, Michigan, and George (Benita) Foster of West Memphis, Arkansas; and six sisters: Vanessa Johnson and Ruby Brown of Benton Harbor, Michigan, Shirl Joseph of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Maxine (JC) Turner, Fannie Mae Foster, and Patrina Brown Robinson, all of West Memphis, Arkansas.

She is also lovingly remembered by her special sister-in-law and best friend, Rita Mendenhall; her extended family: Teona (Anthony) Duckett and family, James (Ashley) Mendenhall, Tina Mendenhall, Darnell Mendenhall, Letitia Mendenhall and family, Nevaeh Turner, Tyroneicia Guidry, and Chanese Mendenhall and family.

Additional loved ones include her Godmother, Juanita Burton; God-sisters: Deedra Morgan, Theresa Burton, and Veronica Henderson; her special little buddy, Mr. Vi’rese; friends Alice Sanders and Willimina Sanders; her special daughter, Shaida “Lady” Rivera; and her Godchildren: Hope Jones, Joshua Jones, Michelle Jones, Adrianna Jones, and Casandra Whitaker.

Rosea was preceded in death by her parents, Mack Brown and Ruby Hunt; four sisters: Earnestine Pettway, Linda Faye Foster, Funiciella Foster, and Ella Foster; and two brothers: Glen Brown and Odell Brown.

Rosea’s life was a testament to love, service, and resilience. Her legacy lives on in the many hearts she touched, the children she nurtured, and the family she adored. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

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