Marie Celeste Brown

Peacefully, during the early morning hours of November 28, 2018, Marie Celeste Brown, the last living
child of the late Sally Rebecca and Ellis Grimes, returned home to eternal rest with God. She was
predeceased by her siblings: Louise Bundy, Paul Grimes, Ellis Grimes, Ethel Mae Grimes, John Grimes
and Matthew Grimes, who was her fraternal twin. Marie was also predeceased by her husband of 64
years, Leroy Brown.
Marie accepted Christ at an early age, and became a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church of Occoquan,
Va. She served on the Usher Board. While living in Occoquan, she met her beloved Leroy Brown. After a
one-year courtship, they married, and lived together many years in Woodbridge, Va.
When Marie and Leroy moved to Fredericksburg, they joined and became active members of Shiloh
Baptist Church (Old Site). She assisted her husband, Leroy, while he served as a Trustee. They both
participated in the Rappahannock Senior Citizen Program. Marie was also a member of the Young
Women’s League and the Widow’s Club.
Marie fought a long, hard battle with many health problems; for many years. During her many illnesses
she had many caregivers, who, regrettably, cannot be acknowledged individually. However, heartfelt
thanks are extended to a “special friend,” Deacon Iretha Bumbrey, Deaconess Robbin Edwards and
Deacon Bobbie Smith of the Family Ministry Team of Shiloh Baptist (Old Site). Ms. Patricia Brown, Mrs.
Lillian Washington, Mrs. Barbara Jackson, Mrs. Sandy Coleman, Mrs. Estelle Peters, Mr. Robert Walker
and Mrs. Marguerite Young were, also, very instrumental in making it possible for Marie (and Leroy) to
remain at home.
Until just a few months ago, Marie remained alert and kept up with her favorite soap operas and current
events. She stayed tuned to CNN to keep up-to-date on politics; especially the latest “news” on Donald
Trump! Marie also maintained a sharp sense-of-humor.
Marie was a loving Aunt, Great Aunt, Godmother and friend. She leaves with cherished memories a
devoted Great-niece, Wanda Brooks; a devoted Great-nephew, Don Brown; one nephew, John Ellis
(Chloe); four nieces: Catherine Carter, Eileen Edwards, Rebecca Grimes, Marilynn Davis (Rick); a
Goddaughter, Gloria Greenhow, and many other great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, relatives and
friends.