Deaconess Martha Hancock Brown, 100, formerly of 500 Farmer St. (Gilhaven Manor) Petersburg, Virginia departed her earthly life to go home to be with her heavenly Father on April 12, 2014 at Colonial Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, Colonial Heights Virginia.

Martha was born in Appomattox, Virginia on April 2, 1914 to the late Charlie and Ellen Hancock. She was educated in the Appomattox County School System. Martha was married to the late John Lee Brown and was retired from Seward Luggage Inc. She lived at Gilhaven Manor for twenty eight years. And, in 2010, she moved to Baltimore, Maryland to be near her children.

Deaconess Brown united with the Royal Baptist Church on January 5, 1947, under the leadership of Reverend Albert Waiters and remained a devoted member there for sixty – two years. She faithfully served as a member of the Deaconess Board, Music Ministry (Mass and Senior Choirs), Missionary Ministry, Women’s Fellowship, Adult Sunday School, Senior Inspirational Ministry and the Thursday evening Bible Study class.

“Mrs. Martha”, as she was lovingly addressed by her church family, loved to reach out and serve others. She was a volunteer at the Golden Living Center and Battlefield Park Nursing Homes for 18 years. Her hobbies included planting and caring for flowers, collecting pictures and jewelry, and traveling. She traveled frequently with her youngest daughter, Cassondria.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents;her husband; five sisters and four brothers; and three sons, Sylvester Brown, Vincent Brown and Howard Brown.

Rejoicing in her memory of love are her daughters, Cassondria Greene and Alease Harris-White, both of Baltimore Maryland, and Octavia Marshall of Cleveland, Ohio; her sons, John Joseph Brown and Matthew Brown, both of Baltimore, Maryland; a devoted niece, Shirley Daniel of Appomattox, Virginia; nephew, Robert Jordan of Appomattox, Virginia; grandson that she raised, Woodrow Linwood Harris of Richmond, Virginia; a special niece, Rev. Allison Bland Tucker; a good family friend, Mary McWilliams; and a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Homegoing service for Deaconess Martha H. Brown will be held at 12:00 Noon, Friday, April 18, 2014 at Royal Baptist Church, 316 Saint Mark St., Petersburg, Va.; Rev. Dr. Phillip Williams Pastor, delivering the Eulogy and Rev. Allison Bland-Tucker, Presiding. The interment will follow in the Dinwiddie Memorial Park Petersburg, Va. On the day of service, remains will lie in state at the church one hour prior to service.

Public viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 from 5pm to 8pm and on Thursday, April 17, 2014 from 9am to 8pm at the J. L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, Petersburg, Virginia (North Dinwiddie).

The family is receiving relatives and friends at the residence of her niece, Rev. Allison Bland Tucker, 4300 Paul Drive, North Dinwiddie, Virginia and is also asking relatives and friends to assemble at that residence on the day of service at 10:45 am. The family may be contacted by phone at (804)490-3525.

Professional funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the staff of J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 25824 Greensville Ave. Petersburg, Va. (North Dinwiddie); Rev. Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr. Funeral Director; (804)732-5959 and (804)834-3330.

Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com.