“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
II Timothy 4:7 (KJV)

Virginia Ann Anderson Brown was born on November 11, 1925 to the late Newman and Emma Lee Carter Anderson. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband of 63 years, Walter Francis Brown Sr.; son, Willie Franklin Sr.; grandson, Willie Franklin Jr.; three brothers, James, Joseph and Oswald Anderson and two sisters, Arelene Lee and Bessie Jones.

Virginia Ann took the wings of the morning dove to be with the Lord on June 5, 2021 at her residence in Ruther Glen, Virginia. She accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Mt. Oni Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Harry J. Ellis. After many years of attending Mt. Oni with Virginia Ann, Walter Francis became a member.

Virginia Ann was educated in the Caroline County Public School System. She was joined in Holy Matrimony to Walter Francis Brown Sr. in 1947. They were blessed with three children, Willie Franklin, Ann Brown Lewis, and James Leland. Lovingly, she along with her husband, raised their grandchildren, Doris and Frankie.

Virginia Ann served in many capacities in the church. She was a member of the following ministries: Missionary, Pastor’s Aid, Willing Workers, and Hospitality. She served faithfully as the clerk of the church for 46 years. She was a devoted member who was willing to help anyone at any time. In knowing that fact, you could always depend on her to speak her mind. If you did not want to know, please do not ask the question. What came up, came out, still having the heart of gold to do whatever was needed. Finally she would say, “You know I’m Newman Anderson’s baby,” meaning that settles it.

Virginia Ann enjoyed the fellowhip she had with her fellow church members. After the morning service, you could often hear her talking with Rosetta, Ida Mae, Isaline, Amanda, and Pearl. Many times you could hear them hollering and laughing outside, having to be reminded by their children that they were still in church. Well you know, they would remind their children that they were the parents.

“Granny”, as she was affectionately called by her Grands and Great-Grands, had a special love for them. She loved to cook, that was one of her passions. Her Grands and the Pastors of Mt. Oni looked forward to those special holidays and family days at Granny’s. All glasses had to sparkle, napkins had to be creased so they would cut you, and the tablecloth had to be crisp without a wrinkle in sight. Then the delicious meal would be served.

Virginia Ann touched a lot of lives during her ninety-five years. She worked for Mr. and Mrs. Ned Stiles of Ashland, Virginia for over fifty years. She raised their children as if they were her own. She loved them, and they loved her. Much love and respect were shown by the entire Stiles family when an Appreciation Tribute was given to “Mrs. Virginia” by Mt. Oni for her dedicated years of service.

Virginia Ann will always be remembered for her stylish demeanor, her wisdom and her outspoken tongue. Remembering the most important thing, she loved her God with all her heart. Often saying when someone would stop by to see her, “I’m fine, it’s just me and my God.” Her voice shall forever resound in our hearts.

Virginia Ann leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted and loving daughter and son, Ann Brown Lewis (Roosevelt) and James Leland Brown (Rev. Sherry); two loving granddaughters, Doris Ferguson (Roy) and Kemberly Blake (Willie); one grandson, Daryl Lewis (Tarmesha); one great –granddaughter, Asya Blake; two great-grandsons, Traevon Ferguson and Jordan Blake; one stepson, Wallace Brown Sr. (Earlene); two step granddaughters, Jackie Wilkerson (Stanley) and Eva Laverne (Ron); one step grandson, Wallace Brown Jr.; one step daughter-in-law, Joyce Brown; a lifelong friend, Rosetta Minor and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.