May 2, 77
Rhoda Lee Gregory Brown, age 77, passed away Saturday at her residence. She was born August 11, 1942 at Alexandria, VA, to the late Rev. David Gregory and Lois Legge Gregory. She spent her early years in Fredericksburg, VA. Her father ministered to several rural churches, serving at different ones each Sunday until he completed the circuit and started over again. She enjoyed going on rounds with her grandfather who was a veterinary doctor. As time passed her father took churches in different states, including Ohio and Pennsylvania.
After high school, she went to Georgetown College in Georgetown, TN and got her BS degree. She then attended Texas Women’s University getting her degree in Occupational Therapy. Upon getting her degrees, she moved to Fresno, CA where she worked with young children. When she found it physically demanding she pursued a different direction. She got a job with the Kern County Mental Health Department in Bakersfield, CA. She worked in the Day Treatment Unit for over 22 years before taking an early retirement and securing a similar job in Fayetteville, NC. When the job ended there years later, she began a job at Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro in May of 1996. Following the Cherry Hospital position, she began employment with the Pineview Baptist Church Daycare.
Rhoda accepted Christ into her life through the ministry of Rev. Billy Graham, meeting him around the age of 12. She was a faithful member of Freedom Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School for over 40 years, mostly Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten, along with some 3rd through 6th graders. She was always dedicated to her teaching, taking anywhere from 4 to 6 hours of preparation for each lesson. She was a dedicated prayer warrior and spent much time in devotions and prayer time each day.
A graveside service to celebrate Rhoda’s life will be held Wednesday at 12 noon at Wayne Memorial Park with Pastor Jonathan Smith officiating.
Rhoda is survived by her husband, Wallace Anderson Brown; and a brother, David Edward Gregory, Jr. and his friend, Jamie Brown.
Memorial gifts in memory of Rhoda may be directed to Missions through the Freedom Baptist Church, 300 Country Day Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530.
Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Brown family, and online condolences may be sent to www.shumate-faulk.com.
