Gladys Thornton Brown

Gladys was born on January 15, 1939, in Barnesville, Georgia, to her cherished parents, the late Mary Ruth Miller and the late Albert James Thornton. From the tender age of eight, she discovered her calling. Her hands learned the language of love through cooking, and she spoke it fluently for the rest of her life. She later met and married the late Lee E. Brown, a proud United States Air Force serviceman who faithfully served for 23 years. Together they raised their children, traveled the world, and built a life rooted in commitment and devotion. After Lee's retirement, they settled in Orlando, Florida, in 1974, where Gladys' legacy would continue to grow. Her faith was her foundation. She became a devoted member and ward leader of Tildenville Missionary Baptist Church, lifting her voice joyfully in the choir, and made weekly visits to the sick and shut-in. Later, under the leadership of Pastor Timothy Ford, she was a founding member of New Direction Community Church of Faith, where she was lovingly known as one of the mothers of the church-guiding, praying, and nurturing all who crossed her path. To us, she was more than a mother. She was refuge and reassurance. A prayer warrior who stood in the gap. A counselor whose words were honest, timely, and rooted in truth-sometimes hard to hear, but always given in love. Her door was never closed. She would offer the homeless person down the street a place to stay. Her table, her fridge, and her deep freezer were never empty. She fed bodies with her food and souls with her wisdom. Ministering with her words flowed easily, often followed by laughter-her way of reminding us that faith and joy could coexist. Our mother's kitchen was her sanctuary. It was where fellowship happened, burdens were lifted, and traditions were born. Her red velvet cakes became legend, and her Macaroni and Cheese was the cheesiest. Her meals brought people together, and her laughter filled every space she entered. Her humor was bold, her presence unforgettable, and her trust in God unwavering through every season. She endured profound loss, yet continued to love deeply. She faced sorrow, yet served faithfully. She knew pain, yet gave freely. And through it all, she believed. Today, while our hearts ache, we find peace in knowing she has heard the words she lived for: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Gladys was preceded in death by her beloved siblings Sammy Thornton, Johnny Thornton, and Louise Matthews; her treasured sons Robert Lee Brown and Duane Anthony Brown; and her cherished grandchildren Tanesha Brown Murray and Virgillo "Gilly" Vargas. She leaves to cherish her memory, her children Jerome T. Brown, Veronica Brown Chandler, Christopher Lloyd Brown (Vivian), Vanesha Brown (Eric); her sister, Annie Ruth Johnson; and her favorite daughter-in law, Michelle Brown. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Angelo Brooks, Lee Hughley, Porsha Carter, Durell Brown, Jerrad Matthews, Ashley Brown Watkins, Precious Brown Collins, Christopher Lloyd Brown II, Todd Chandler II, Marcus Brown, Micah Brown, Naijah Casellas, Eric Peterson II, and Emari Peterson. She is also survived by 20 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, several step-grandchildren and godchildren, whom she loved as her own, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and very, very dear friends, each lovingly claimed as family. We will carry her love forward. Pray with conviction. Laugh freely like she would have. Serve faithfully. And in doing so, we will keep her spirit alive-now and forever.

Tributes

Gladys Thornton Brown

January 8, 1939 - December 20, 2025