Mother Maudlean Brown was born on Dec. 4, 1913 in South Park (Merriam), Kansas to Mr. and Mrs. Alford & Maude Bryant. Mo. Brown attended public schools in South Park. After attending a Baptist church, Mo. Brown was saved at the Church of God in Christ in South Park under Elder Collins when she was in her thirties.
She was married to John Richardson, and five children were added to this union (Tommy, Bobby, Ellen, Drusilla, and Norma).
She later married Walter Brown. Elder & Mother Brown moved to Omaha in 1951. She and Eld. Brown joined Mt. Zion under the late Eld. Dwight L. Wright. Mother Brown served over 45 years under the late Pastor Wright, the late Pastor John Bell, and Pastor Bobby Murray before joining the church where her grandson pastors (Christ Cathedral, Bellevue). While at Mt. Zion, she was known for her singing, was the church pianist, and led the daily “Noon Day Prayer” for over 30 years.
In the ‘50’s, Eld. and Mo. Brown worked for Omaha millionaires at the Swanson family mansion.
In the ‘60’s, her husband founded Mt. Moriah COGIC. Elder Brown later turned the church over to Eld. Butts; the church was later torn down due to highway construction. Eld. and Mo. Brown became building managers at Evans Tower in 1965. The Brown’s managed Evans Tower until Eld. Brown retired in 1976. Mother Brown lived in Park Tower North from 1982 to 2007 where Eld & Mo. Brown conducted weekly church services for residents. Mo. Brown was the pianist. After the passing of Eld. Brown in 1990, Mo. Brown continued coordinating services. In 2007 Mo. Brown moved to Salem Village—where she lived independently until she moved recently to Kansas City, MO to live with her granddaughter, Theresa (Andrew) Byas.
Mo. Brown has been a faithful member of the Nebraska COGIC for 65 years. She was the State Pianist for the Church of God in Christ for several years until the late Eddie Staten moved to Omaha and became the State Pianist. Mo. Brown was licensed as an Evangelist Missionary under the late Mother Albertha McKenzie, State Supervisor, and the late Bishop Monte J. Bradford. She also served on the State Missionary Examination Board.
Mo. Brown was a talented soloist and has been known for decades for her high soprano voice and her song, “The Glory Train.” As an active member of Christ Cathedral, she faithfully led the morning hymn on 1st Sundays. Her grandson, Supt. Kevin L. Johnson, named her “The Duchess of Omaha” several years ago. She was known as “The Duchess of Omaha” by many around the country.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husbands; brothers and sisters– Clara Stevens, Timen Stevens, Goldie Stevens McWilliams, Roland Stevens, Conley Stevens, Harry Bryant, Russell Bryant, and Eleanora Bryant Jones; her children– Tommy Crowder, Robert Richardson, Ellen Johnson and Norma David; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
She leaves to cherish her memory—her daughter, Drusilla (James) Simmonds (KC MO), 14 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, 90 great-great grandchildren, 24 great-great-great grandchildren, a special niece—Faith Carroll, several other nieces and nephews, godson—Cedric Relford and god-daughter—Bish. Carolyn Hadley; many close friends including Frank Stewart, Anne Boulier, Kim Taylor, Ricky Raysor, Evang. Flossie Johnson, and Pastor L. D. Richardson.
Friday, Feb. 10, 2017
11:00 a.m.
Pastor Bobby R. Murray, Officiant
Joy of Life Ministries
6401 N. 56th St.
Omaha, NE 68104
Pastor – Bishop Eric Butler
