The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Psalms 37:23-25
HOMEGOING CELEBRATION
Assigned to Earth 1.17.1951 Recalled to Heaven 7.31.2019 August 31, 2019 - 11:00 a.m. Pentecostal Tabernacle International, Inc. 18415 NW 7th Ave. Miami Gardens, FL 33169 Officiating Pastor George Gallimore Oneness Apostolic Church
Bishop Royston Tracey Pentecostal Assemblies
THE CELEBRATION Processional FOCUS Praise and Worship Opening Remarks Pastor S. Robert Stewart Invocation Bishop Charles C. Mullings Opening Song Congregation In The Great Triumphant Morning Scripture Readings Old Testament: Job 14:4-14 Gloria Waldron (Sister) New Testament: 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 Dacia Brown (Daughter-in-law) Song FOCUS Ministerial Tributes
Pastor George Gallimore - Oneness Apostolic Elder Rupert Battiste - Banner of Love Apostolic
Song Tennille Tomlinson Ministerial Tributes
Bishop Colville Webb Sr. - Bethel Temple Apostolic Pastor Mark & Evangelist Guy - Mt. Carmel Apostolic
Song Pastor Myrtle Jones (Cousin) Tributes from Friends Hyacinth Jones Patricia Allen Renee South-Hendricks on behalf of Elder Ronald South Song Kerri-Ann Lewin (Niece) Family Tributes Grandchildren Daphne Walker-Meikle for Siblings Children Offertory Hymn Jesus Is Coming Soon To support the outreach ministries of C.A.R.E. Inc. Eulogy Shawanda Anderson (Niece) Dawn Higgins-Parkes (Cousin) Song FOCUS Message Minister Mark Brown (Son) Prayer for the family Bishop C. A. Holdsworth Recessional
When We All Get To Heaven
SONGS OF HOPE IN THE GREAT TRIUMPHANT MORNING In the great triumphant morning, When we hear the Bridegroom cry, And the dead in Christ shall rise, We’ll be changed to life immortal, In the twinkling of an eye, And meet Jesus in the skies. Refrain We shall all rise to meet Him, We shall all rise to greet Him, In the morning when the dead in Christ shall rise We shall all rise to meet Him, We shall all rise to greet Him, And shall have the marriage supper in the skies.
In the great triumphant morning, What a happy time ’twill be, When the dead in Christ shall rise, When the Lord descends in glory, Sets His waiting children free, And we meet Him in the skies. Refrain
In the great triumphant morning, All the kingdom we’ll possess, Then the dead in Christ shall rise, Reign as kings and priests eternal, Under Christ forever blest, After meeting in the skies. Refrain
In the great triumphant morning, When the harvest is complete, And the dead in Christ shall rise, We’ll be crowned with life immortal, Christ and all the loved ones meet, In the rapture in the skies. Refrain
JESUS IS COMING SOON
Troublesome times are here, filling men’s hearts with fear Freedom we all hold dear now is at stake Humbling your hearts to God saves from the chastening rod Seek the way pilgrims trod, Christians awake
Homeward we then shall fly, glory to share
Refrain Jesus is coming soon, morning or night or noon Many will meet their doom, trumpets will sound All of the dead shall rise, righteous meet in the skies Going where no one dies, heavenward bound
Jesus is coming soon, morning or night or noon Many will meet their doom, trumpets will sound All of the dead shall rise, righteous meet in the skies Going where no one dies, heavenward bound Heavenward bound, heavenward bound
Troubles will soon be o’er, happy forevermore When we meet on that shore, free from all care Rising up in the sky, telling this world goodbye
Jesus is coming soon, morning or night or noon Many will meet their doom, trumpets will sound All of the dead shall rise, righteous meet in the skies Going where no one dies, heavenward bound
O
T our
OF DUTY
n January 17, 1951, God displayed the beauty of His love by lending to the world a precious gift. Maria Anestasia was born in Stony Hill, St. Andrew, Jamaica, to proud parents Thelma Walker and Dudley Waldron.
Her early education began at Stony Hill Primary School. In 1960 she relocated to reside with her aunts in Lime Tree Garden in the parish of St. Ann. In her early teens she rejoined her mother in May Pen, Clarendon, where she continued her education at May Pen Secondary and The Brown Academy. While residing in May Pen, she became a regular Sunday school member at Bethel Temple Apostolic Church under the leadership of Bishop Nathaniel A. Higgins. In 1965 Maria believed on the Lord for salvation and was subsequently baptized in the precious name of Jesus Christ. On a Friday night shortly after her baptism while kneeling at an altar, she was filled with the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues as the Spirit gave her utterance. That night, Maria rejoiced in her newfound liberty, speaking in tongues while walking a mile home accompanied by other precious saints. She soon became a member of the youth department and youth choir. She loved to sing and did it well! In 1970, Sis. Yvonne, as she was affectionately called by family and friends, migrated to the United States of America to join her mother and other siblings in Stamford, Connecticut. Soon after arriving there, her mother made it clear that it was school or work; laziness was not acceptable. Yvonne’s choice of career was nursing so her mom registered her in the nursing assistance class but a few weeks later she became sick and discontinued. Endowed with a caring heart, she decided to work in the child care system where she enjoyed working with small children. While living in Connecticut, the family occasionally visited churches and friends in New York. It was on one of those trips in 1972 that she met, and fell in love with, Minister Martel Brown. They were subsequently united in holy matrimony in March 1973. This union yielded three children - Mark, Karlene, and Alicia. In January 1975, with her one year old firstborn, while on a trip to Ft. Lauderdale to visit her sister Jennifer, Yvonne made a discovery that would affect her young family forever.
She realized she could be in America in the winter and only need a light sweater during the day. This was a far cry from the frigid temperatures she experienced up north. She quickly called Martel and told him that she and their son would not be coming back to that ice box. Within a couple of weeks he happily joined her in Ft. Lauderdale. Besides being a devoted wife and mother, Maria was a devout Christian. Upon arriving in Ft. Lauderdale she soon became a member of the Banner of Love Apostolic Church pastored by the late Bishop L.N. Richards. In 1981 she became a foundation member of Oneness Apostolic Church founded by Elder E. Gallimore. It was there she blossomed as a singer and as what we now call a praise and worship leader. She also served in the capacities of youth leader and women’s department leader. If anything needed to be done and done well - whether it was putting together a special church program or coordinating a church picnic, you could count on Sister Brown to get it done. She was never one for accolades or public recognition, but somewhere within the fabric of the church’s success was Sister Yvonne working to get things done. She was often the first to arrive at church and was consistent in attendance whenever the church doors were open. Tragically, late one Friday night in November of 1987, her husband, Evangelist Martel Brown, was mugged and murdered in front of their Ft. Lauderdale home. This left the strain on her to now single-handedly raise three young children. This was a devastating blow, but her confidence in Christ helped her forward in managing the household. It was at this time she obtained her certification as a nursing assistant. Maria was loved and known for extraordinary care of her patients. She was also beloved by her coworkers and was often asked for counsel and prayer. She was known for being compassionate and taking special interest in people who needed emotional and spiritual help. She had the capacity to listen and empathize with the needs of others. It was a gift from God. Maria was a helper of those in need. It could be seen in how she opened her home to many in need over the years. One stark example of this was when her son Mark, at the age of 18, went to Jamaica to preach for a youth week in Linstead, Jamaica. Upon returning home he opened up the door to his room only to find a family of three had taken residence there while he was away. A mother and her two children had recently lost their father similar to the way Maria had lost her husband, so she decided to take them in. Mark at that time was told he would now be living with his grandmother so she could accommodate this precious family.
Many can testify to Maria being a mother when needed, and a counselor and prayer partner in tough times. She was spiritual without being spooky, practical in her approach to serving God, merciful in discipline, and forgiving when wronged. These qualities drew Bishop Arthur Ennis to befriend her and from friendship love blossomed. Soon, he proposed to the widow of twenty-one years. On January 19, 2008, Maria Brown happily became Maria BrownEnnis. Their love was strengthened by their friendship as they became best friends. She was a great support to him, especially in his travels to give oversight to the churches in Jamaica under his jurisdiction. The churches respected her and saw her as a woman of great strength and substance. In classic Maria style, after retiring, she found herself caring for her ailing sister Jennifer, who had been diagnosed with cancer. However, towards the end of her sister’s treatment, unknown to her, Maria was already exhibiting signs of her own very serious ailment. Unfortunately, by the time it was diagnosed there was no viable treatment available. Throughout her brief illness she remained stubbornly positive - still caring and encouraging others. July 31, 2019 witnessed the transition of a life lived by the grace of God to the glory of God. Though her departure from this earth leaves a space that can never be filled by another, her faith in God through His all-sufficient grace is a legacy of hope that others can gladly emulate. Maria left behind her loving husband, Bishop Arthur Ennis; Father: Dudley Waldron; Children: Mark, Karlene and Alicia; Grandchildren: Duvaughn, Dominique, Devine, Destiny, Mikhael, SaraMichelle, Aaron, Justin, Sequoia, and Leiahna; Siblings: Dennis, Oscar, Gloria, Jennifer, Evelyn, Dudley, Paulette, and Gladstone; A host of nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and a loving church family. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. The Lord has given and now He has taken away. BLESSED BE HIS NAME!
THE PATH
OF LOVE
Your inner beauty shone bright Your character was a radiant light Your friendship was precious - I asked you to be my wife I wanted to protect you for the rest of my life God really blessed me when He shared you with me I love you, I miss you, but I know you are now home and free Thank you for 11 precious years Arthur
HER CHILDREN RISE UP...
Words seem futile in expressing how deeply thankful we are that God allowed us to be mothered by such a precious woman. Strength, spiritual maturity, and God’s grace guided her footsteps and kept her mind sound while raising us, especially after losing our father so suddenly and tragically. Her heart was tender, but her hand was firm. She was not just a church goer; mommy was a Christ follower. We watched her live out her Christianity in the face of tragedy, betrayal, and terminal illness. She was a peacemaker and an ardent praiser. No one could sing and play a tambourine like her! Oh mommy! We miss you and our hearts will forever yearn for your embrace. However, we know that you are now in the presence of your Lord and Savior. We look forward to seeing you beyond the sunset. Love you mommy… Mark, Karlene and Alicia
…AND CALL HER BLESSED
DEAR MOM Maria Anestasia Brown was an awesome mother-in-law. You know the stereotype that some men are “mama’s boys?” Well yes, Mark was a mama’s boy. Not too much, just a little bit. He talked to her often. When he wanted to remember the name or lyrics of some old hymn? She was the one. When he wanted to know who was related to so and so? She was the one to check first. Mom was the one who remembered the birthdays and the ones who had passed on. Did he need to be reminded how the story really went? She was the one. Mom knew all the funny stories and could relate them at the drop of a hat. It would start with, “You remember the time when...?” But you know the other stereotype where mothers-in-law don’t like their daughters-in-law or were ‘monstersin-law’? Well, that wasn’t true for us. I could call to get her recipe for rice and peas; she would give it and then go even further by sending over her spare rice cooker. Did I need some of that special milk for the baby? She would be in Winn Dixie, see it, buy as much as she could and send it over. “What size uniform pants is Aaron wearing now?” she would ask. “I am in K-mart and they’re having a clearance sale on khaki pants. Let me pick up some for him.” “Does Sara like polo shirts, I see some here for girls, what size is she?” Or, “I am sending some hot cocoa mix for the kids, do they still like iced tea mix too?” I never left her house without her wanting to give me something. “Do you need some paper towels? I went to the store and have extra and take some of this evaporated milk, Mark likes this brand.” What I will miss the most is that she was always there for us. Maria was a caretaker, of her children, of her family, and of her friends. She gave money, resources, time and most of all, herself. She was thoughtful, kind, and genuine. I can barely see to write because to think of her gone brings tears to my eyes. It’s still so hard to believe that she’s not just a phone call away. I wish I had called more, visited more, and made more time for reminiscing with her. I wish I had made more time to just be with her. I learned from her example how to be compassionate. Maria was an understanding person. At some of the lowest times in my life she was there with just enough of whatever I needed - sometimes just a hug, sometimes just saying a lot of nothing, but being there for me, so I was not alone. She was an encourager, she didn’t interfere, but she said her mind where she thought I needed to hear it. She is loved, she is missed, and she will always be in my heart. Love you mom -Dacia
MY SISTER My sister Yvonne and I were born exactly 2 years apart, same month and day. We celebrated our birthdays together until we reached our 50’s when we decided to do things differently. Even though we have the same birthday we were extremely opposite in personality. Midnight and sunshine! I am very outspoken and feisty while she was more peaceable and easy-going. She was very protective of her children and grandchildren. However, her love for them did not compromise her insistence on discipline. In fact, she insisted on discipline and the highest in behavioral principles not only for her own but all children. Those whom she taught in Sunday school and youth services can attest to this. My sister was a strong believer in the Apostolic Faith from a young age. She also instilled the same in her children. She had an unwavering love for the Lord. She was courageous, yet remained humble. She was tender and compassionate and a lover of truth and righteousness. Above all, she had great trust and confidence in the Lord. Sister Yvonne loved her church family and was a faithful member of Oneness Apostolic Church for almost 40 years since its inception. She was a very active member and served in many capacities. I will never forget the last time we spoke on Wednesday, July 31st just hours prior to her departing this life. I had visited with her the night before but left in a hurry. She called me to check if everything was ok due to the fact I left quickly after receiving a telephone call. I assured her all was well. I asked her how she was feeling and she replied, “I had a good night’s sleep and I am ok.” I replied, “Ok, good. I’ll see you after my doctor’s visit.” She replied, “Ok…” But I never got to see her or to say goodbye. Maria, your work on earth has come to an end and God saw it fit to call you home. You will surely be missed, especially at family get-togethers with your out-of-nowhere comical jokes. Sleep on my sister; I love you - your Sis. Joy Maria, affectionately called Yvonne, was a sister, friend and cousin. Yvonne became a part of our immediate family during our adolescent years. Her candor and quick wit sometimes left in her wake confused household members wondering if Bam (another nickname) was yet again practicing her special brand of tough love. In a nutshell, Bam was the quintessence of feminine pulchritude. In other words, she was the best a woman could be. She is sincerely missed by the Higgins family (Keith, Dawn, Beaver, Hepburn and Donna). Donna apologizes for her absence. Her daughter (Kimberley) and son (Patrick) are representing her. Dawn Higgins-Parkes on behalf of the Higgins family
GRANDMA My grandmother was a hard working person. Between her duties in the church and being a nurse, I saw that she was mostly busy but I never saw my grandma slow down or disappear. When I was growing up, going to grandma’s house was the move on weekends during the summer because I knew all my cousins would be there as well as my own siblings. We stayed up late watching Disney Channel, Lilo and Stitch, That’s So Raven, High School Musical and others... We’d often trouble grandma for dinner and she’d always pull through. Grandma’s house was the place to be on long weekends or family get-togethers. On my birthdays she’d always do what most grandmas are known for doing; she would find some cash and slide it to me on the downlow as to not let my parents see because if they did, I wouldn’t get that money back. My grandma was very caring in that regard towards all her grandchildren. None of us ever felt that Grandma Brown loved one less than the other. I talked to grandma the weekend of my graduation from basic military training in May. She was in the hospital but we talked on the phone for a little while and I told her how training went. She said she was proud of me and I told her I loved her and she told me that she loved me too. That was the last time I talked to her but I couldn’t have had it any other way. The Lord gave me a wonderful grandmother and I know that she will be fine. She did all that she could for her children and her grandchildren with what she had. The Lord was good to my grandmother and in turn she was good to us. I’ll see you soon, Grandma – Mikhaél
MEMORIES OF GRANDMA My grandma always had the most giving heart. Even when she didn’t have much she’d still find a way to treat us here and there. She didn’t care whether or not the treat-giving had parental approval. We learned very early that grandmas are some of the few people that get to go over the heads of moms and dads. Not everyone has a cool grandma but we had a cool grandma. She will be missed and she will be loved until we meet again. Sara Over the years I’ve made quite a few memories with my grandmother, Maria. If I had to pick one that stood out, I’d say it was one from a long time ago. It was back when my siblings, cousins and I would frequent her older house in Fort Lauderdale. We were all in the car riding back from church, I believe, when we (the kids) began to complain that we were bored. I’m not entirely sure who suggested it but we somehow collectively decided that the only interesting thing to do was ride a rollercoaster. So grandma spoke and said, “I can’t take you all to an amusement park, but I can make the drive home more interesting!” With that she began to swerve the car rapidly. It was ridiculous, but she did it for us, and you know what? It was fun! That’s just how willing Grandma was to do anything for her family. Love you grandma - Aaron
Grandma Made Me Feel Loved
o Grandma always smiled at me whenever she saw me - made me feel loved o She always asked how I am doing - made me feel loved o Always looking for things to give me, fun things - made me feel loved Grandma made me feel loved Reflections from Justin
My favorite memories of my grandma are when I was younger and would get into trouble she used to always pull me aside and talk to me. She used to tell me that I’m smarter than the things I’m doing right now. She would remind me that I’m the oldest and should be setting a better example. She always inspired me to have more love in my heart and more faith in our God. I will always love her and she’ll forever be in my heart. Duvaughn
MEMORIES OF GRANDMA Leiahna’s favorite memory of grandma is when she used to go to church with her and sing. Devine: My favorite memory of Grandma is when she used to cook us Sunday breakfast and she would allow us to form our own dumplings before she’d fry them. That was very sweet. Sequoia: After coming in from school one evening, grandma made us (me, Devine & Destiny) a banana split. It was my first and only time having a banana split, but it was really good! Best banana split I’ve ever had. Dominyque: My favorite memory of grandma is her home remedies. For instance, when I had an ear infection and she took a garlic pill and put it in my ears. Destiny: I remember when Grandma and I used to occasionally walk to the grocery store together. We used to tell each other corny jokes and have conversations. These are certainly memories I will cherish forever.
BETHEL TEMPLE APOSTOLIC May Pen, Clarendon, Jamaica
Let me borrow an extract from a Don Wyrtzen song: Just think of stepping on shore and finding it heaven! Of touching a hand and finding it God’s! Of breathing new air and finding it celestial! Of waking up in glory and finding it home! On behalf of the Bethel Temple Apostolic circuit of churches in Jamaica, I pay tribute to Sis. Yvonne, as she was affectionately called. Sister Yvonne started serving the Lord in the early 70’s. She was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and was filled with the Holy Ghost. Although young, she was always concerned for the saints, especially those of her age group who were departing from the faith. She would seek help for them. She was loving, caring and kind. Selfishness was not a part of her character. She would call me daily during my illness just to find out how I was doing. She was active in the work of the Lord. Although she migrated to the USA, she was still committed to the church in May Pen. Convocation seldom missed her. Sister Yvonne maintained the standard of teaching of the church and the word of God and taught her children the way of the Lord. I know that when she sees Jesus face to face for the first time she will be finally home because those who love and serve God on earth will be at home in Heaven. So family members, take courage in the fact that your loved one has played her part and that true life for her has begun. Christians sleep to wake up in the morning in glory. Be strong and be of good comfort. God will strengthen your heart. God bless you. Bishop C.E. Webb
BANNER OF LOVE APOSTOLIC CHURCH, INC. 2440 NW 14th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
The Pastor and Saints of Banner of Love are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear sister and friend, Marie Brown- Ennis. When the Banner of Love Church was established in Fort Lauderdale, Sis Brown was one of the first members and since then she has always supported this Ministry. We extend our sincere condolences to the immediate family, the church family and her innumerable relatives and friends. Her passing has left a void in the Ministry as well as in our families. She will be greatly missed by Banner of Love, but we rejoice today that our loss is Heaven’s gain.
ONENESS APOSTOLIC CHURCH 1826 NW 38th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
Maria Brown-Ennis was a founding member of Oneness Apostolic Church. She served faithfully and continuously since our inception. Sis Brown, as she was affectionately called, was a loving and passionate member of our assembly. She was a very involved saint in all aspects of our services. An anointed singer of the gospel of Jesus Christ, she inspired and touched many souls with her singing ministry. We could always depend on her, whether it was leading the morning worship, going on a church trip to another assembly, cleaning the church, preparing meals for a special service, and many other things. Essentially, we could always count on Sis Brown being there to love and serve her fellow saints. We all miss her dearly and hope to reunite with her in the sweet by-and-by. The saints of Oneness Apostolic Church
GOING HOME - I AM GOING HOME According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:20-21
Pallbearers
Chester Spence Paul McWaynson Michael Dunbar Theodore Thompson Hugo Reid Mikhael Brown
Professional Services
Royal Funeral Service Inc. 17475 NW 27th Avenue Miami Gardens, FL 33056 305-625-6818
Concept Design & Editing
Interment
Annette Taylor-Spence Love CareFronting 954-439-5615
Repast
Pentecostal Tabernacle International, Inc. www.PenTab.org
Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens 2401 SW 64th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317
Pentecostal Tabernacle Banquet Hall 18415 NW 7th Ave. Miami Gardens, FL 33169
Printing
Graphic Design & Layout Gracious GraFX Studios www.GraciousGrafx.com 954-515-9016
THANK YOU
The family would like to thank you for your expressions of sympathy, your support, your love, and your prayers during this difficult time. We are grateful to have all of you to help us on this journey. Our loss is great but our hope is greater. We grieve, yet we rejoice in this glorious hope. We pray you will be blessed as we continue to comfort one another.
Beyond
THE SUNSET Beyond the sunset Oh, blissful morning When with our savior Heaven’s begun Earth’s toiling ended Oh, glorious dawning Beyond the sunset When day is done
THE MEMORIAL KEEPSAKE A Production of
Gracious GraFx & Love CareFronting
