Teresa Ann Brown, a phenomenal woman, was born on July 29, 1954, in Statesville, N.C., to the late Roberta Smoot Anderson. After fighting the good fight and keeping the utmost faith, the sunset for her at the age of 68 on August 5, 2022. She attended Morningside High School and graduated from Statesville Senior High School.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, SSGT William Theodore Anderson Sr. and SGT Michael Aaron Carlton; and a niece, Synetta Valerie Anderson.

Teresa’s church of origin was First Baptist Church. She went on to join Commandment Keepers Church of the Living God, Bibleway Headquarters, were she served as a dedicated and faithful member, functioning in many capacities. Teresa was the head Usher and Chief Marshall for the Annual Holy Convocation Saints March, a former Junior Usher Board Advisor, Deaconess (Vice-President) member of the Jubilee Gospel Singers (soprano), Church Announcer, Deaconess (Vice-President), former Sabbath School Representative and President and former church culinary associate with many protégés to her credit. She was always ready and willingly available to assist her Overseer in any capacity she required. Her works speak well on her behalf, as her family recalls that she missed many family events because of her commitment to her church. Nothing or anyone came before her love of God and respect for her life’s calling!! Despite Teresa’s circumstances, her Bible was one of the things she requested to keep in her presence.

“Teresa” means to harvest or to reap, personifying one who is virtuous, thus gracefully illuminating the path for others to travel. True to her name, she was extremely gifted, multi-talented, always working to master her tasks with extreme skill and precision. She had a strong passion for sewing which was an innate ability gained through her mother and further developed under the tutelage of Mrs. Brooks at Morningside High School. Teresa was an extremely clever seamstress with a keen eye for detail and precision. This craft followed her throughout her life. She owned and operated Teresa’s Designs and worked several years at JC Penney’s in the custom window treatment department. Furthermore, her designing and tailoring ability opened many doors for her to create wedding gowns, direct weddings, craft prom attire, and ministerial and choir garments that displayed the excellency of her talent. She proudly served as the lead seamstress for her Overseer, G. A. Daniels.

Teresa had a strong love for her family. The story goes that oftentimes her family members would receive surprise tokens in the mail as a simple reminder of her unconditional love for them. She embraced motherhood, as evidenced by her admiration for her sons, and oh, the joy and pride she exuded as an un-daunting grandmother to her grand-loves. Teresa was instrumental in aiding in the parenting of her nieces and nephews, particularly, as it pertains to her niece, Nycolle, whom she lovingly embraced as her daughter. She was a sister and a friend, despite the distance, and everyone in her immediate circle knew of her strong family ties. Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday and family celebration, a time when she ensured that her family’s table was filled with all of their desires and most of all topped with lots of love and laughter. Teresa loved people, and people loved her back! She could easily be identified as the “hat-lady,” as she wore many hats well, finding great pleasure in blessing others, including all of her extended nieces and nephews who lovingly called her ‘Aunt Teresa.’

Teresa will be sorely missed, but her legacy will remain with those whom she will be looking down on smiling, including her sons, Talmige Anthron Brown of Statesville, Erronta Sherode Brown (Deanna) of Charlotte, N.C., and Jamard Reshode Brown of Statesville; and a bonus son, Marcus Leggett (Nicole); and her daughter, Nycolle McDonald of Las Vegas Nev.; and her grand-loves, Naavya, Landon, Kennedi, and Collins.

Her siblings are Edward Norman Anderson Jr. (Blondell) of Staten Island, N.Y.; Synetta E. Turner (Woodrow) of Smyrna, Del.; Vanesta S. King (Roy) of Graham, Wash. and Ralford V. Anderson of Statesville.

Her loving nieces and nephews are Sharon, William Jr., Nista, Iesha, Alagra (Star), Selena, and Antonio; and cousins are Elaine, “Cuz Lanny,” and Tamu.

She was married to Artis Felton Brown, and her surviving in-laws include Vera Flowers (LJ), Matthew Brown (Loretta), Sammy Brown (Stephanie), David Brown, Dennis Brown (Sandra), Evelyn Brown, Carolyn Cuthrell, Bertha Nesbit, and Phyllis Brown. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, colleagues, church family, and acquaintances also survive.

As she lived, it has been said, “It Is Well!”

Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Friday, August 12, 2022, at 1 p.m. at Christian Outreach of the Piedmont in Statesville, N.C. Glenn Usry is Pastor, Elder Darryl Corpening will officiate and Overseer G. A. Daniels, Pastor of Bibleway Headquarters, will eulogize. Burial will follow in the Bibleway Church #6 in Troutman, N.C.

Deaconess Brown will remain at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home until taken to the church to lie in state at 11:30 a.m., but will assemble at the residence of Felton Brown, 143 Arey Road, at other times.

Visit the Book of Memories for Deaconess Brown at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.

Rutledge & Bigham Funeral Home is serving the family.