Teresa Esther Thomas Brown

My LifeI,Teresa Esther Thomas Brown of Manakin Sabot,Virginia was a former native of Downtown Short Pump, Virginia. I was the sixth child of eight siblings.I was born in the blessed union of James H. Thomas,Sr.,and the late Albenia G. Houston Thomas,on July 22, 1960. I was preceded in death by my two siblings,James H. Jr. and Welford Thomas.I matriculated in Henrico County Public Schools and participated in the extra-curricular activity of high school basketball and intramural softball. Although my skills were not fully developed,I put forth my best in being a team player. I also had a hidden talent that included sewing“identical”outfits for my younger brothers to wear out on the town.Upon graduating from John Randolph Tucker High School in 1978, I attended J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College. There,I majored in Business Administration.After two years at the College,I sought employment at formerly Signet Bank: Bank of Virginia and presently, Capital One for 29 years, until my demise. I enjoyed my job and my work ethic produced a product of excellence. I was perceived as being a loyal and devoted employee who did not hesitate working on Saturday, Sundays or whenever needed.I accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and joined Springfield Baptist Church. I was a loyal member and felt the love and presence of all. My melodious voice enabled me to sing with the Combined Choir and The Voices of Springfield. I held positions as Chairperson of the Children’s Church Ministry and secretary of the Missionary Ministry. I was also a member of the Ushers’ Ministry. I was united in marriage to Robert William Brown, Jr.,on May 5, 1987.From this union we were blessed with a beautiful daughter,Roterra Michele Brown.I prayed and asked God to bless me to be a loving wife,a wonderful caring mother,sister, aunt, great-aunt, cousin,God-parent and friend. When Roterra joined First African Baptist Church and became a member of the Praise Dance Ministry, Robert and I supported her as often as we could. He and I even had the opportunity to minister in this ministry.I became an honorary praise dancer and danced with the “Mother’s of Praise”.Robert rendered a hand on numerous occasions and portrayed biblical characters with a passion.God endowed me with a love for people and a heart of gold to lend a helping hand when and wherever possible. I was told by many people that my smile welcomed all and that my contagious laughter could get you in a “world” of trouble. I had a great love for many things, especially, “shopping”, reading, bowling, cooking and taking family trips every year.I recently journeyed on my first cruise, in August,to the beautiful places of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.I had a chance to go snorkeling and to swim with “domestic” stingrays; however,my greatest love was my family. On September 14, 2007,God wrapped me in His hands,whispered in my ear and led me to the Pearly Gates of Heaven.I am survived by my devoted and loving husband, Robert W. Brown of 20 years and my devoted daughter and best friend,Roterra M. Brown,a loving father, James H. Thomas Sr.I leave to cherish previous memories to my siblings;sister, Beatrice Thomas Ruffin; four brothers,Alvin L.(Mary),Grover O. (Charlene),Delbert L.(Valencia) and Alan S.Thomas;grandmother, Mamie ‘Gramps’Billups;brother-in-law,Bobby Brown;four aunts,Margaret Houston,Georgia Houston-Hicks,Gladys Thomas and Bettie Mae Threatts;nieces and nephews,Brenda Ruffin,Deborah Ruffin, Sandra Morgan (Kenney),and Kenneth Ruffin,Jr.,(Robin),Carla Purkeypike,Cherie Taylor(Lamont),and Alvina Thomas,Stacey Thomas,Jocelyn and Delbert Thomas,Jr.,Shannon,Shawn,and Sadé Brown;a host of great nieces, great nephews,God-children and other relatives and friends including,Denise Royal, Gaile Harris and Valerie Allen.I was dearly loved by my family and will be missed,but I pray that my memories will forever be in your hearts.

Tributes

Teresa Esther Thomas Brown

July 22, 1960 - September 14, 2007