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Oh, magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt his name together. Psalms 34:3 Celia Mae Rodgers Brown, 88, was born in Martin County on February 22, 1935, to the late Deacon William Henry Rodgers and the late Mother Addie Rodgers. She peacefully departed this life on December 16, 2023, in the arms of two of her daughters. She was a graduate of E. J. Hayes High School. On June 21, 1950, Celia married William Clyde Brown. To this union, they were blessed with five natural born children (one son and four daughters), two adopted sons and one stepson. During her lifetime, Celia worked in farming, factory work, housekeeping, and caregiving, the area closest to her heart. Celia was blessed to co-own a meat processing company, Williams Meat Processing Company, with her husband. Celia joined Cedar Hill Missionary Baptist Church at an early age, where she sang in the choir. Later, she was ordained into the CHMBC Mothers’/Deaconess’ ministry. Mother Celia loved God, cooking (family members would scramble to get one of her homemade cheese biscuits), and spending time with her family and friends. Up until her death, many times, almost to the detriment of herself, she would do without, so the needs of her family and others could be met. Not only did she talk about her love and faith in God, she demonstrated it through her actions. She was always there to listen and to impart wisdom. As someone once wrote, “She talked to God daily and that is what made her lovely”. Mother Celia spoke with pride about the accomplishments of her children, and grand and great-grand and great-great grandchildren. In a way that only she could. She made you feel special and encouraged you to do your best at whatever you did, and to allow God to be your guide and to just do the right thing. Mother Celia leaves to cherish her memory son, Deacon William Edward Brown, Sr., Williamston, NC, adopted son Joseph Purvis(Glenda) Washington, NC, stepson Minister Dwayne Brady (Minister Kimala); four daughters, Marion Thompson (William), Williamston, NC, Linda Boyles (Ronald), Fayetteville, NC, Sharon Peterson (Frederick), Winterville, NC and Kembelie Brown (Anthony), Jamesville, NC; one brother, Timothy Rogers, Williamston, NC; four sisters, Deaconess Betty Little (Deacon Willie James), Williamston, NC, Deacon Trustee Rosa Rodgers, Clothilda Brown, Raleigh, NC, and Mildred Jones (Larose), twenty-one grandchildren, fifty great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and dear friends. Besides her father and mother, those who preceded Celia in death are her spouse, William Clyde Brown, adopted son, James “Bosco” Biggs; stepson Devan Brady, five brothers, Deford Rodgers, Johnny Rodgers, Jimmy Rodgers, Roy Rodgers, and Samson Rodgers; and two sisters, Ruby Rodgers, and Delores Manson. Merciful God, we glorify your holy name for loaning us your dear daughter; our amazing mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend for all these years. Help us to trust and lean on you for guidance and strength. Help us to praise you today and always, in the good times and the not so good times. Amen. The Family

Tributes

Ms. Celia Rodgers Brown

February 22, 1935 - December 16, 2023