Melba Sue Roper Brown, confidently entered the arms of her Heavenly Father on Saturday, September 5, 2020. “Mimi”, as she was affectionally known and loved by all, was born in Greenville, South Carolina on October 3, 1941. After attending Vigor High School, she attended William Carey College when she married her life-long partner in marriage and ministry, Dr. Charles Edward Brown. Mrs. Brown attended The University of Southern Mississippi, and later obtained a Master’s Degree in Music Studies from William Carey College. She was employed as a Choral Director at Stringer High School and Southeastern Junior College while living in Mississippi. After moving to Mobile with her family, she served as Professor of Voice at the University of Mobile where she coached and taught students with whom she fondly shared cups of hot tea in her studio, all while showing the love of Christ on a daily basis. A life-long believer and student of God’s word, Mrs. Brown was a member of Government Street Baptist Church, where her husband currently serves as Senior Pastor. She was a devoted wife and mother who enjoyed singing, teaching, mentoring, family celebrations, cooking, keeping beautiful plants, spending time with her grands, playing the piano, participating in civic and community events, mentoring women, and counseling individuals struggling with substance abuse and homelessness. Mrs. Brown recently served as a judge for the Distinguished Young Women of America and participated in many local operas and other musical programs. Additionally, she served on various boards and committees of the Alabama Baptist State Convention.
Mrs. Brown is survived by her husband, Charles Brown; her three daughters: Debbi Brown Metzger (Jim), and her children Ethan Sims (Emily) and Sarah Sims; Gaye Brown Butler (Gavin) and their son, Cole Butler (Melia,); and Sharla Brown Raulerson (Byron) and their girls Taylor Raulerson and Teaghan Raulerson. She is additionally survived by siblings: Gerald Roper (Charlotte), Pat Roper (Charlene), Doug Roper (Veressa), Michael Roper (Mary), and Royce Roper (Barbara), and many nieces and nephews.She is preceded in death by her parents R.F. Lenhardt and Lillie Roper, and brother Don Roper (Paulette).
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2020. Visitation will be from 12-2 p.m. at the Government Street Baptist Church, Mobile, Alabama located at 3401 Government Blvd. Mobile, Alabama 36693. A worship service will be held at 2:00 p.m., with internment at Mobile Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, we respectfully welcome your donation to the Homeless Ministry at Government Street Baptist Church, a ministry she committed to tirelessly and for which she held great passion.
(Livestream available on FaceBook (Government Street Baptist Church), YouTube, and on church website
1941-2020
A church service will be held at 2pm on , 09/10/2020 from Government Street Baptist Church, followed by a committal service at the grave site.
