Annie Marie Brown was born to John and Anna Lawrence in Griffin, Georgia.  After losing both parents early in life, she and her sister moved to Cleveland, Ohio to join her three older siblings, Edward, Carrie, John and Sallie.  Annie attended and graduated from Central High School.

Annie was united in holy matrimony to James Robert Brown on Saturday, September 24, 1949 and from this union, one child was born, James Robert Brown, Jr.

Although Annie began her career as a factory worker, her ambition for a better life led Annie to continue her education with secretarial and accounting classes.  She moved from working on the factory floor to working in the business office.  Eventually Annie joined her husband working for the Federal Government at the Navy Finance Center.

As Annie continued her education by taking classes at Baldwin Wallace College, she received numerous accreditation’s, citations and promotions.  Annie retired from the Navy Finance Center, in 1992 as a Systems Analyst, shortly before the death of her beloved husband, James.

Annie’s spiritual journey in Cleveland began at St. Paul AME Zion Church as a teenager.  Her journey continued when she joined The Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church in the mid 1950’s.  At The Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church, Annie served in many capacities:  as a member of the Usher Board, Nurses Guild, Sunday School Teacher, Missionary Society, Queen Esther Circle and the Deaconess Board.  Annie was proud to have held office in many of the organizations.

Annie enjoyed traveling all over the United States and Canada with her siblings, in-laws, and grandchildren.

Annie returned to the Lord on Monday, July 9, 2018.

Annie’s passing will be mourned by her adored son, James (Peggi); treasured grandsons, Omar and Aqeel (Lilly); beloved great grandchildren, Donovon, Imani, Isaana, Ian, and Joel; cherished niece, Mary Helen Davis; precious sister-in-law, Ella Lawrence; treasured aunt, Juanita Miller and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Humbled Submitted,

The Family