Obituary for Evangelist Maebelle Brown

Evangelist Maebelle Brown was born on May 19, 1944, in Hampton, Virginia, to the late Deacon William Harrell and Deaconess Missionary Dora Harrell, who nurtured her strong faith. She passed away on August 15, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, song, and unwavering faith.

Maebelle's childhood in Suffolk was filled with love, learning, and music. She attended Robinson Elementary school and Nansemond High School where her love for school was evident by her being an honor roll student.

As a young adult, Maebelle traveled throughout Virginia with her sisters and cousins singing as “The Gospel Melodies”. Their harmonious voices resonated with audiences, spreading messages of hope and faith. Despite her deep love for Virginia, Maebelle felt a calling for more. She promised herself that upon graduating high school, she would move to New York to pursue greater opportunities and fulfill her dreams.

Upon arriving in New York, Maebelle's life took a transformative turn when she met and married Ollie Brown. Together, they built a loving home and raised three sons, sharing their faith and values. They became devoted members of Saints Temple Church of God in Christ under Pastor Calvin Williams and Mother Bertha Williams. Maebelle quickly became known as the "Songbird of Saints Temple," her voice lifting hearts and spirits. In 1985, she received a call to ministry, attending Bethel Bible Institute in Jamaica, New York, where she earned her certification in evangelism. Her dedication extended beyond her family and church; she worked as a nursing assistant at Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn. During her time there, she broke barriers as one of the first African-American women accepted into the EKG Technician Program. In the early 1970s, Maebelle was diagnosed with cancer and given less than five years to live. Her faith and resilience defied medical expectations, allowing her to live over 50 more years and outlive the doctor who had given the diagnosis.

In 2001, when her husband was installed as Pastor of Bethel Church of God in Christ in West Hempstead, Maebelle embraced her role with grace and passion. She contributed significantly to the church’s ministry, offering her talents, wisdom, and unwavering faith. Her compassionate nature and dedication to serving others left an indelible mark on her church inspiring many to follow in her footsteps.

In addition to laboring by the side of her husband Pastor Ollie Brown, Evangelist Brown ministered the word of the Lord with power and demonstration. For several years, Evangelist Brown was favored to work under the unparalleled leadership of Mother Marcel Harris, Supervisor of Women for the Eastern New York First Jurisdiction. She was privileged to serve the department of women in many capacities, one in particular being the finance department. She often talked about the joys and laughter she experienced working in this department.

Throughout her life, Maebelle faced multiple serious illnesses, each carrying a dire prognosis. Yet, her unwavering faith and trust in God's healing power saw her through each challenge. Time and again, she witnessed miraculous recoveries, serving as a living testament to the divine grace and strength that sustained her. Her journey inspired all who knew her, reinforcing the belief in God's boundless ability to heal and restore.

Her life was a testament to her faith and resilience, and her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Maebelle Brown leaves to cherish her precious memory: three sons, James (Lisa), Jeffery (Nina), and Eric (Ericka); grandchildren, Tiffany Erika Brown-Berkeley, Christian Brown, Queen Brown, Josiah Brown, Nikole Brown, Nikolas Brown, Eric Brown Jr, Robert Brown, Equashia Green, and Equana Green; great-grandchildren, Brook Valentin, Rue Valentin, Alexander Joel Brown, Israel Noelle Brown, Truli Maelle Berkeley, Karter Brown, Kameron Brown, Trinity Gregory, Zena Maddox, and Journee Bollah; sisters, Elsie Wiggins, Mary Sessoms, and Viola Parker; god-daughter, Joya Millet; spiritual daughter, Roslyn Tyler; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, friends, and the entire Beth-El church family.