Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted;
He saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
Obituary
Rita Amelia Brown, born Rita Amelia Miller, began life’s journey on March 1, 1943 in New York City as the daughter of Alma Plaskett and Edgar Joseph Miller. Her physical life started then, but her spiritual life began on June 15, 1967 when she made her public declaration and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
She leaves behind her six children, daughters, Kim Wilkins and Laurie Buie, sons, Michael, John, Zarklin and Samuel Brown, her siblings, Andrea Wren, Eugene and Bernice Clemons, her aunt, Esther Williams, cousins, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, their supportive spouses and a host of friends who love her.
Rita and her family attended congregations in Rockaway Beach, Far Rockaway and Cedarhurst, NY. Later, she attended congregations in both Binghamton. NY and Allentown, PA. Each congregation had wonderful gifts in men, and brothers and sisters who embraced her and her family as lifelong friends. She truly enjoyed her life as a servant of Jehovah, learning to be genuinely happy doing Jehovah’s will.
Rita learned the fruitages of the spirit found at Galatians 5: 22, 23. Each aspect was so calming to her that she would repeat them over and over before disciplining her children or facing stressful situations. Even today, her children can repeat each fruitage at the drop of a dime. She also learned what Jesus meant when he said, “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” Even when she did not have a lot to give materially, Jehovah taught her to be generous. She enjoyed feeding local Bethelites on Sundays after the meetings., They, along with her children and their friends would gather for a feast of fried chicken, Spanish rice, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, green beans, cornbread and iced tea. Her home was always filled with people, lots of love and good times.
Rita’s relocation to Binghamton, NY was a big change for her. Most of her children had moved on their own and she led a quieter, simpler life. Although she missed her Rockaway family, she enjoyed her new congregation very much. She loved spending time in the ministry, especially when the entire congregation engaged in special preaching campaigns; she loved their pioneer spirit. Although she was not able to be a regular pioneer due to her poor health, she rejoiced to have a full share in preaching the good news; it touched her heart! She participated in many avenues of service to Jehovah – house to house ministry, Bible studies, street work, train witnessing and public witnessing. A few years ago, she engaged in cart witnessing for the first time in Baltimore, Maryland along with her daughter, Kim and son-in-law, Ronald. She loved it!
In her later years, her daughter, Laurie and son-in-law, Dwayne moved her to Allentown, PA to be closer to them so that they could give greater attention to her needs. She was grateful for the care, kindness and love they expressed throughout the years. Their tireless efforts were priceless!
Throughout her life, Rita delighted to share Bible truths with her sons, grandchildren, family, friends, heath-care workers and all others who crossed her doorstep. She wanted everyone to study the Bible, come to love her heavenly Father, Jehovah,develop a friendship with Him and know Him as the best friend they could ever have. “Taste and see that Jehovah is good”, as stated as Psalm 34: 8. “Ask questions, research for yourself”, was her advice.
Family was always very important to Rita. She wanted each member to know that they had a full support system and should never be afraid to ask for help. Someone would always be there to grab their hand and help lift them up. Keep close to one another. Right now, she is taking a nap but her greatest prayer was to wake up again in the resurrection, pain-free and in vibrant health, and see all of her loved ones waiting to greet her. She will then shower each one with tons of hugs and kisses. That time is just around the corner!
Remembering Rita
Thank you for visiting Rita’s memorial page and taking a moment to remember her.
We invite you to take a moment to share a special memory, a funny story, something Rita said or did that stayed with you, or simply a few words about what she meant to you. Every memory is meaningful, and we know these moments will be treasured by her family and everyone whose life she touched.
We are deeply grateful for the love, prayers, kindness, and support being shown to our family during this time. As we come together to remember her and the beautiful memories she leaves behind, we find comfort in the love surrounding us and in the hope Jehovah gives us for the future.
Thank you for being here, for remembering Rita, and for helping us honor her life and the lasting impact she made on so many hearts.
With love and appreciation,
Music in Loving Memory
A small collection of songs chosen to honor Rita’s life, love, and the beautiful memories she leaves in our hearts. May each song bring comfort, reflection, and a reminder of the love we shared with her.
Gallery
Memory Wall
Thank you for helping us keep Rita’s memory alive, one cherished memory at a time.
I'm responding as a proud member of the National Association of Black Journalists because Ms. Brown staunchly supported my work as a newsman for decades.
Whenever I published reports that angered powerful people or made me the target of threats, she prayed for me. When I doubted myself or the power of faith, she prayed for me. I suspect those prayers are the reason why I'm still here and doing what I was put on this planet to do. Her prayers saved my life.
Ms. Brown was a true prayer warrior, a beloved and respected matriarch, and a person whose heart was as big as any ocean. The Brown family and world has lost a very special person, but heaven has gained an incredibly powerful angel.
My deepest condolences to the Brown family and those who knew and loved this remarkable woman. May you all find some measure of comfort in the days to come, and may she forever rest in peace.
I just want to extend my deepest condolences to you!! I met sister Brown through her daughter Kim. I remember when we had dinner at Kim’s the first time meeting her and it was a pleasure. I thank Jehovah for the resurrection hope that he has given us and we will see Sister Brown again!! Revelation 21:4 a promise that will happen!! Love y’all and may we always praise Jehovah for all that he do for us!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
With fond memories of mom.
April Williams (Bullock
Family Tree
Favorites
Say Yes to the Dress
Fruitage of the Spirit
Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faith, Mildness, Self-Control.
Service & Comfort Meal
As we grieve the loss of someone so dear to our family, we are also grateful for the beautiful memories, love, and joy Rita shared with us throughout her life. She touched the lives of many and leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, family, and devotion to Jehovah.
Together, we will celebrate her life, reflect on the precious memories we shared, and find comfort in the Bible’s promise of the resurrection and the hope of seeing our loved ones again.
Your presence would mean so much to our family as we come together to honor Rita, remember her life, and share in the hope that meant so much to her.
Additionally, we invite you to attend the comfort meal, immediately following the service.
2050 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Allentown, PA 18104.
Allentown, PA 18103
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