Mother Anne M. Brown
Mother Willie Annie Mae Martian Foddrell Brown, 94, of Panama City, Florida, formerly of Bassett, Virgina, entered into eternal rest on June 8, 2025. She was born on December 8, 1930, in Ashland, West Virginia, the only child of the late William Martian and Ora Lee Johnson. After her father's passing, she was lovingly raised by her stepfather, Mr. Thomas Foddrell. She later became the cherished matriarch and eldest sister in a large, extended family that included eleven siblings.
She received her early education in the West Virginia public school system and graduated from Gary High School. Annie’s spiritual foundation was laid during her childhood while spending time with her devout grandmother and aunt. Her faith remained central throughout her life.
After moving to Bassett, Virginia, Annie became a devoted member of Waterway Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, where she was baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Ghost. She faithfully served in several church roles, including one of her most treasured—as Church Secretary. It was during this time that she developed a love for music and taught herself to play the piano, practicing regularly at the church next door to her home.
Annie later met and married Charlie Lee Brown, Jr., and their union was blessed with three children: Timothy, Esther, and Paul, who preceded her in death.
Annie and her children relocated to New York City. There, she became affectionately known as Mother Anne Brown, a title she carried with grace and honor. Invited by her cousin Portia, she joined Bethel Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, where her gifts in administration were quickly recognized. She served faithfully as Church Clerk Secretary for 10 years.
Anne continued her education at LaGuardia Community College and began working at Bellevue Hospital Center in New York. She served as an Office Associate in the Nursing Department for 24 years, followed by 6 years in Telecommunications before retiring after 30 years of dedicated service.
Even in retirement, Mother Anne remained steadfast in ministry. She devoted herself to missionary work, including serving as a volunteer personal shopper for homebound senior citizens in her community. Her service to the Kingdom spanned over 76 years, across three states and three churches: Waterway (her foundation), Bethel (her development), and Shondo House of Praise (her legacy of mentorship).
Mother Anne often reflected on life’s challenges and blessings with grace, declaring:"I've had some good days, and I've had some hills to climb... but all my good days outweigh my bad days, so I won't complain." She would always exclaim: “To God Be the Glory for All the Things He Has Done!”
She leaves to cherish her memory: Her son Timothy Brown (Scottye), daughter Esther Brown-Robinson (Michael), brothers Walter Foddrell (Louise) and Edward Foddrell, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and one eagerly awaited great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by a host of beloved nieces, nephews, church family, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her son Paul Brown, sisters Baby Rose, Alpha, Nadine, Barbara-Gean, and Lillian, and brothers James, Ueal, Cleve, and Earl (Kareem Shareef).
Mother Anne Brown's life was a testament to faith, love, and service—a legacy that will live on through the countless lives she touched.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Bassett Funeral Service Chapel, with Bishop Phillip Calloway delivering the eulogy. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.bassettfuneralservice.com.Bassett Funeral Service is honored to serve the Brown family.
