Odessa Brown

Odessa was introduced to the world on December 17, 1931. Her parents, Edgar and Jessie Lee (Massengale) Bryant were blessed to bring forth five children in Sylacauga, Alabama. In the order of their birth, they are Edgar Columbus, Odessa, Benjamin Franklin, John Calvin and Marvia Maudine. Shortly after Marvia was born, Jessie passed away and eventually Mr. Bryant and the five children moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Odessa continued her primary education and graduated from Woodward High School in 1949. Later, she briefly worked at the Children's Hospital then spent the majority of her employment years at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio. Her service at WPAFB began in 1951 where she was smitten by a young man from Springfield, Ohio named Harry Mason Brown Jr. They were married August 8, 1953.

In the mid 1960's her husband was called to the ministry. Odessa was faithful as she served with Rev. Brown in various capacities at each appointment. Their first assignment as pastor and wife, was to a small fellowship in Mechanicsburg, Ohio. The congregation consisted of one family, the church building had no restroom facilities and before each service a fire had to be built in the wood stove to stimulate a little heat. During the winter months, coats were worn during the entire service. Odessa never complained and as time went on, she continued to be Sunday School teacher, pianist, music director and whatever other lay ministries were needed. Over the years, Odessa became quite active in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She joined the Women's Missionary Society of the A.M.E. Church in about 1965. She has participated at the conference level and filled multiple positions at the local level. Some of the offices in which she served include: Conference Branch President of the South Ohio Conference, Promotion and Missionary Education Director, Local Branch President, and Worship Leader. Mrs. Brown has the distinction of being the only Women's Missionary Society Life Member that Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church has had in their 150 year history.

In her prime, she was an avid reader, considered herself a casual pianist, and enjoyed planning and planting fragrant flower gardens. She used color pencils to sketch the various beds and catalogued the drawings in a page-protected notebook. A purple wisteria, planted in the 1970's, was one of her favorite vines. Writing spiritual skits and inspirational messages were also ways she was able to develop her creativity. Odessa's parents, sister, and husband left this earthly life before she did. Her memory will be cherished by her children and their spouses: Harry M. (Bette) Brown, Patricia (Donald) Brooks; grandchildren, Christopher, Daryll, Kecia (Damian) and Jonathan; and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at Quinn Chapel, 10998 Southland Road, Forest Park, Ohio 45240 on Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 6:00 pm. A gathering will be held at the church from 5:00 pm until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church Missionary Society or to Hospice of Southwest Ohio, 7625 Camargo Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45243 www.hswo.org.




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