Ms. Barbara Jean Brown

A Celebration of Life for Sis. Barbara Jean Brown, of Tampa, Florida, who passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Tabor M.B. Church, 2606 W. Grace Street, Tampa, FL 33607, Rev. Keaton J. Brown, Senior Pastor. Interment will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery, 4615 E. Hanna Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610.

Sister Brown, a woman of unwavering faith, radiant joy, and impeccable style, transitioned to her eternal rest, leaving behind a legacy of love and service. Born on February 17, 1948, in Plant City, Florida, to the late Damon Brown Sr. and Melinda Brown. Barbara was a "Queen" in every sense of the word.

At an early age, she committed her life to Christ and was baptized at Live Oak A.M.E. Church in Donalsonville, Georgia. This foundation of faith guided her throughout her journey from Georgia back to Florida, where she became a pillar of her community. For over 40 years, she was a faithful and dedicated member of Mt. Tabor M.B. Church, following in her mother’s footsteps. She found immense joy serving the Lord and lifting her voice in the choir. Barbara was a woman of strength and ambition. After attending public school in Seminole County, Georgia, she built a diverse and successful career. From her early days as a waitress at Anthony’s Drive-In in Tampa to her time in retail with K-mart—where she assisted in opening new locations across the country—Barbara was known for her work ethic. She eventually retired from The Hartford Insurance Company, having also spent several years as a valued associate at Publix Supermarkets.

In 1974, she united in holy matrimony with Keith Brown, a union that spanned over 25 years. To know Barbara was to know her "million-dollar smile" that lit up any room she entered. A true fashionista, she took great pride in dressing well and smelling good.

Her zest for life was infectious. Her favorite pastimes included cheering on her beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneers, competitive Friday night card games and dominoes with friends; Maintaining her morning walks at the park with her "walking buddies," and watching Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune.    Above all, Barbara loved the Lord and her family. She was the heart of every family reunion and never missed a class reunion. She encouraged her children and grandchildren to trust in God through all of life's storms, standing as a testament to resilience and grace.

Barbara was preceded in death by: her parents, Damon Brown Sr. and Melinda Shell; her stepfather, Willie Shell; her brothers, Johnny Brown and Ronald Brown; and her sister, Yvonne Brown.

She leaves to cherish her legacy: Children: Her devoted son, Gregory Brown, and loving daughter, Wanda Brown (Theodore), and adopted son, Lee Marvin Shuler; grandchildren, Narjia Brown (Kylia), Antwoine Brown (Zoey), Cameron Barnett, and Christopher Barnett; Great-Grandchildren, Niasia Stokes, Antwoine Brown Jr., and Amer Brown; Great-Great-Grandchildren, Ny’ari Trent Brown and Noah Brown; Siblings, Sister, Shirley Wade of Midlothian, TX; and brothers, Damon Brown (Shavonda) and Donald Brown (Terri)  of Plant City, FL; "Sister Cousins", Gail Davison, Lucian Hunter, Velma Williams, special friend, Sandra Reed and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends.

Barbara Jean Brown remained a true servant until the end—strong, faithful, and unforgettable.

The visitation will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606. The family and friends are asked to meet at the church on Saturday for the service.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes and Northern, Owners.

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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