Nellie Mae Brown, 101, passed away in Leesburg, Florida on January 13, 2024.
She was born in Polk County, Florida on November 22, 1922, to Charlie and Dollie Bridges. She lived through the Great Depression as a child. She later moved to Groveland, Florida to begin life with her loving husband of 61 years, Preston Leo Brown. Nellie worked on the family farm, in the fields for other local farmers in the Bay Lake community, and at the local dime store during the Christmas season. Nellie and Leo raised their children in Bay Lake and were faithful members of Bay Lake Missionary Baptist Church where she was a deacon’s wife and Sunday School teacher. After her husband passed away, she moved to Sumter County to be near her daughter.
She was a member of Gant Lake Baptist Church for a number of years before moving to Mayfield Retirement Center in Leesburg, Florida. Nellie enjoyed her role as a loving wife, mother, and Nana; spending time with her family; playing Bingo at her retirement home; and serving the Lord, reading her Bible, and spreading His word. Nellie was known to make the most delicious pot of chicken and dumplings, cathead biscuits, and collard greens! Her favorite snacks were moon pies and Baby Ruth candy bars. She was a prayer warrior, full of beauty, grace, and a splash of sass. She is “101 years blessed and loved!”
Nellie was preceded in death by her beloved husband: Preston Leo Brown; son: Milton L. Brown; parents: Charlie and Dollie Bridges; brothers: R.E. Bridges and Vernon Bridges; and sisters: Cynthia Evans and Hilda Sloan. She is survived by her son: Wayne L. (Agnes) Brown of Groveland, Florida; daughter: Karen L. (Tim) Edwards of Webster, Florida; grandchildren: Cecil (Patty) Brown, Brenda (Alan) Sapp, Kimberly Tyson, Jason Brown, Justin Brown, Jeremy Brown, Jenay Brown, and Morgan (Christopher) Wilson; 21 great-grandchildren; 21 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by the loving staff at Mayfield Retirement Center in Leesburg, Florida.
A celebration of life will be held at Bay Lake Missionary Baptist Church on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. (visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m.), with Pastors Cecil Brown, Ed Button and Darrell Sheeley officiating. Interment will follow at Bay Lake Cemetery.
