Remembering Madea
Mrs. Essie Mae Batts-Higgs Brown
was born September 2, 1929, to the late Mr. Rayfield Batts and the late Mrs. Pauline Higgs-White. She is the widow of the late Mr. Ike Brown. Essie accepted Christ at the age of twelve at the Mt. Pleasant M.B. Church under the leadership of Rev. J.W. Sinclair and Rev. Charles J. Campbell. After moving from Orange Mound to Castalia, she united with Magnolia First Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. J.W. Wyms. Upon his death, he was succeeded by Rev. R.L. Mitchell, Sr. who later organized New Antioch M.B. Church. After the retirement of Rev. Mitchell, New Antioch M.B. Church became Fellowship of Believers in Christ Church pastored by Elder Joseph T. Jackson, Sr. Affectionately known as FOBICC’s Queen Mother and the pastor’s valentine, she served faithfully until her death. She has always been known to serve untiringly in many capacities no matter what was needed. She was a faithful member and participant in the choir, Mother’s Board, Usher Board, President of the Pastor’s Aide Ministry, Culinary Arts Ministry and she organized the Hospitality Ministry. Essie attended Melrose High School; however, it was not until her 75th birthday that she was so adamant about supporting education that she decided to obtain her high school diploma. This was indeed an accomplishment that she was very excited about. She has always been a very hard worker, especially in the culinary field. She was the master chef for many of Memphis’ famous restaurants; Furllote Steak House, Anderton’s Oyster Bar, The Gridiron, The Cupboard, Grisanti’s, Pappy & Jimmys, Holiday Inn (Lamar), and Holiday Inn (Brooks), just to name a few. She worked very hard with the Culinary Arts Ministry at Fellowship of Believers in Christ Church and before retirement, and catered many events in the city. After retirement from her role as Executive Chef, Essie had a desire to work with children, so she worked at St. Matthews Day Care Center, Children’s
Cottage and the NAMBC Learning Academy. She worked faithfully until her final retirement. She was truly loved by many and everyone who came in contact with her, developed a love for her. “MaDear” as she’s affectionately known to many, loved everybody she encountered and there is nothing she would not do for anyone in need. Although she had eight children biologically, she was everybody’s “Madear” because that’s the kind of heart she had...a heart of gold! She would open her house to people, cook for them, provide shelter if needed, and anything else that she could to be of service. Essie was preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia Bradley; Grandsons, Eric Bradley, Brian Bradley, and DeVonte Simspon; Great-Granddaughter, Jordyn Mitchell; three sisters, Frances Jenkins, Georgia Sharp, Louise Barton; and a brother, James Batts. She leaves to honor her memory and legacy Four Daughters, Dorothy Taylor, Rosalyn (Claude) Brown, Gwendolyn Mitchell, Lawanda Rogers; Three Sons, Anthony (Gwen) Payne, Patrick (Kimberly) Payne, and Stanley Payne; 34 Grandchildren, 44 Great-Grandchildren, 13 Great-GreatGrandchildren; Two Sisters, Marie Washington and Barbara (Herbert) Polk; special friends Ruby Johnson, Dorothy Bowen, and Lula Harden; all of her play daughters and sons (too many to name), a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The Celebration of Life
Processional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Essie Mae Brown Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FOBICC Mass Choir Old & New Testament Scriptures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Vanelder Nichols Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pulpit Musical Tribute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Madea’s Granddaughters & Nieces Words of Comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Jason A. Mitchell Perfecting Love Community Church Solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alexcia Goodwin Remarks (2 Minutes, please). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Family & Friends Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Higgs Family Choir Words of Encouragement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elder Ronald Polk New Living Well Worship Center Solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elder Joseph Mitchell, Jr. Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lisa Jones
Video Presentation
Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Stephenie J. Washington Sermonic Solo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erika Bartlett-Cox Eulogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pastor Joseph T. Jackson, Sr. Recessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Essie Mae Brown
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From our Hearts
Sisters are forever. You instilled love in us that shaped our lives to be great women of God, mothers, wives, aunts, friends and most of all Christians. You gave so much and demanded that we do the same. Thank for being a real mom. We will forever cherish the love you gave each one of us. Until we meet again... With Love, Dorothy, Rosalyn, & Gwen
Dear Mama
I was the last one to leave the nest and the first one to come back: however, I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you for the love, support, and kindness you showed me. Being the seventh child I thought I had it made because seven means completion and you had to go one more time. When I called you with my concerns, you always told me “son just pray about it” and that “I wasn’t a young fool and don’t be an old fool”. I appreciate you for the wisdom, support, correction, and most of all I thank God for having a mother like you. I have so much love and respect for you, because you practically raised all eight of us by yourself. I love you, Stanley
A Kept Woman
When I think of My Mother, I’m reminded of a “kept” woman. There were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind, but you helped me to realize that God kept me sane (Isa. 26:3). There were times when I thought I couldn’t go on any longer, but you helped me see that the Lord kept me moving (Gen. 28:15). At times, I wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong, but I could hear you reminding me that “vengeance is mine says the Lord” and the Lord kept my mouth closed (Psalm 13). Times I thought the money just wasn’t enough, you reminded me that God always makes a way. (Matt. 6:25-34). When I thought I would fall, you showed me time and time again that God would keep me up. When I thought I was weak, I learned from watching you that God would keep me strong! (1 Pet. 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30). I’m blessed that you demonstrated to me how to be kept. Thank you for all you’ve done for me, and for showing me how to be a “kept” woman. You never gave up on me and you were always by my side when I needed you most. For this I really want to say THANK YOU!!! With Love, Lawanda
Dear Mother...
Words cannot express enough for the kind of mother you have been to me. You have taught me so much about life, about people, and about the Lord. You said in whatever I do always involve the Lord in it, and always treat people right. I have followed those guidelines, and I owe all of my success to you. You mean the world to me and I will miss you immensely. Love you mother, Patrick
Madea
Thank you for being a good mother to me in every way, through the good and the bad times. Thanks for always encouraging me to be the best at whatever I do: and if I make a mistake, learn from it so I won’t make the same mistake again. You taught me to treat other people as I would want to be treated, but most of all I thank you for raising & bringing me up in the church. Being God-fearing and knowing who He is has led me to be a good Christian, inside and outside of the church: a good husband to my wife (a long marriage), & a good father to my children. Thanks for showing me how to pray & leave it in the hands of God to work out, when things go wrong. Thank you for being who you were to me and allowing me to be who I am today!! I love you so much...Anthony
Grandmother
Thank you for being a woman of character, dignity, and respect. Thank you for always having time for each of us; lending a helping hand, giving us advice, or simply just checking on us. You never treated any one of us any different than the other and because of your example our bond as cousins and a family is like no other. Who could ask for a better grandmother than the one God has blessed us with. Madear we love you with all of our heart. Yes, this is a hard pill for us to swallow, but we thank God for blessing us with you in our lives and we will forever cherish every memory. We love you so much! Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, & Great-Great-Grandchildren
Acknowledgment
The family of Essie Mae Brown would like to take the opportunity to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for all the love and expressions that we have received during our time of need. Your visits, calls, texts, flowers, cards, monetary gifts, prayers, and acts kindness is a reminder of the provisions of our God. We have been significantly blessed by everyone, and we are forever grateful. The family would like to say a very special thanks to the following medical staff and caregivers for their untiring service, help and assistance with our dear mother during her time of healing and comfort: Dr. Jennings & The Church Health Center, Dr. Wiedower & The West Clinic, The Staff of Methodist University Hospital, Dr. Green & Health South Rehabilitation, Pearl Pigee, Jasmine Rogers, Gail Lynn, Dorothy Bogard, and Annie Bennie.
Active Pallbearers
Russell Polk Quentillis Bagley, Sr.
Elton Williams Jr. Jarvis Payne
Rickey Hale Marquii Crawford
Honorary Pallbearers The Grandsons and Great-Grandsons
Services Entrusted To
E.H. Ford Mortuary Services 3390 Elvis Presley Blvd. s Memphis, TN 38116
Interment
Memphis Memory Gardens 6444 Raleigh Lagrange Rd. s Memphis, TN 38134
Memorial Repast
The Angela Bishop Fellowship Hall