Mrs. Harriett Brown's Obituary
Harriett Brown was born on July 21, 1938, to Harry Brown (deceased), and Beatrice Walker (deceased), in New Jersey and was an only child. She accepted Christ at the age of four in the A.M.E. Church and lived by the WORD of GOD every day.
Harriett spent her early childhood in New York City and at age 10, moved to James Island SC to live with her grandmother Ms. Etta F. Gillard. Harriett’s descendants lived on the islands surrounding Charleston, SC long before the Civil War. After graduating from High School, she married the love of her life, Gordon Brown, Sr., and shared 66 years of marital bliss. She lived for her husband and children, and her true joy came from the love and support that she openly gave and received from her family and friends.
In 1962, in mist of racial tension and the inequalities of the south, Gordon Sr., and Harriett left Charleston, SC in search of the Promised Land. A place where their children could grow strong, work and reap the fruits of their labor and live out the American Dream in peace and harmony. Leaving family and friends behind and venturing into the unknown, 24-year-old Harriett, with 2 toddlers and a newborn, took the train from Charleston, SC to San Diego, Ca. With unknowns facing her, she was able to complete that trip, because she believed in Jesus, trusted in Jesus, leaned on Jesus, and Jesus did not let her fall.
Affectionately known as “Mama Brown”, her bright smile, cheerful disposition and shining personality touched everyone that she met. During the summer months, the neighbor children would migrate to 5276 Churchward St. “The Bricks” to play. Mama Brown would fix enough beans, rice and biscuits to feed every child.
For ten straight years, Harriett had the undaunting task of serving as homemaker, tutor, chauffer and golf mom to 4 kids; in addition; helping to raise her first grandchild. As noted in the Book, Building of A Champion, How I became a Champion in Life, the Avis Brown-Riley story, Harriett was the cornerstone for her family becoming the most prominent Black Golfing family in the world.
On Saturday, March 1, 2025, Harriett Brown was called Home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was truly one of GOD’s Angels.
Treasuring her love and precious memories are her devoted and loving husband, Gordon Brown, Sr., daughters: Rosetta McClay of San Diego, Ca. and Avis Brown-Riley (James) Las Vegas, NV. and three sons: Gordon Brown, Jr. (Joyce) Tallahassee, Fl, Horace Brown, Oran Brown, both of San Diego, CA. Grandchildren: Kenny Jr, Kashun, Keontae, Kyonna, Kijonnae, and Kijontray McClay. Ayanna and Amari Riley along with Jakoby Brown. Her Great-grandchildren: Ceoncae, Kaylah, Keontae Jr, Kevion, Kenny III, KhyLee, Kaliyah, Kassidy, Kaylani, Kaleb and Kyrimaa. "Mama Brown" was preceded in death by her granddaughter Kyrishaa McClay-Briggs.
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