Funeral service will be 12:00 Noon on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Love Faithfully Ministries; 171 Old Fayetteville Road; Leland, NC 28451.  Burial will follow in the New Northwest Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M.to 7:00 P.M. on Friday, December 15, 2023, at Love Faithfully Ministries.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  Isaiah 41:10

You are God's masterpiece; and as long as you answer to His purpose for you, with faith and in prayer, He can never fail you.  Annie Lou Corbett Brown's (Muh) purpose began on October 14, 1925, when she was born to the late Colonel Cornell Corbett and the late Cora Neal Corbett. Her earthly presence concluded at her home on December 10, 2023.  Annie's presence for "98" years had times of triumphs and tribulations, but, through it all, she illuminated in victory, because she came to the understanding of the kingdom residing in her spiritually. Having the understanding of "who she was" allowed her spiritual relationship with God to resonate in every aspect of her life. Annie's story and the life she lived will continue as a reflection of what God's love looks like.  Annie's Beginning:  Annie's foundation for family was established at an early age. She was the oldest of the four children born to her parents. Her childhood memory was one of great times and she remembers always having "plenty" as she often would say. Raised in a home near her grandmother in the Northwest Community, she spoke of the close bond she had with her grandmother and family. It was during this time she recognized the importance of family, values, morals and respect, and, of course, how to cook some really good food.  Annie graduated from Armour High School in 1943 at the age of 17. She wanted a change of scenery and to follow her desire to become a hairdresser, so, she moved to Baltimore, Maryland. While in Baltimore, she attended Apex Beauty College graduating in 1945. After nearly two years and missing her family, she decided to return to her hometown of Northwest. She began working her first job at Corbett Packing Company in Wilmington, NC. Love & Motherhood:  Annie's return to the area allowed her to cross paths with James Edward Brown who had been recently been discharged from the military. She married James Edward Brown on December 22, 1946. Annie embarked upon a transition that would provide meaning and great reward for her. She started what would be the most meaningful chapters of her life as she would become mother to 12 children. Although, each child was only 18 months apart, Annie made every sacrifice possible to provide for her children. Times weren't always easy and sometimes the means were not there, but, "she and the good Lord" as she would say, "made a way out of no way". In moments of reflection she would tell you, " I made sure my children had enough even if I went to bed hungry". Her famous line was " I always gave my children a whole link of sausage". A Mother's Love.  History in the Making: Annie's love for hats, specifically, beret style hats (Tams as she called them) was a representation of the many hats she wore on her life's journey. In 1966 Brunswick County Schools, for the first time, hired eight black teacher's assistants to work at Lincoln High School in Leland, NC. In this experience, Annie was afforded the opportunity to assist and promote education for the black students throughout the communities in the area. She was beloved by all students for her kindness, sweet demeanor and thoughtfulness. To know her was to love her. In 1970, Annie was the only teacher's assistant appointed to Leland High School after schools became integrated. Regardless of the assignment, Annie's genuine love for the children transpired from the halls of the school to often time the halls of her home.

Tragedy & Triumphant:  Annie faced an unexpected tragedy when her husband of 23 years died suddenly on December 9, 1969. When her husband died she had seven children under the age of 18 at the time. What most would consider too challenging and simply give up, Annie met the challenge by putting on another armor of resilience. She continued to raise her children and remain committed to making sure they stayed together in unity. "God is our strength and our refuge, an ever present substance in our time of trouble". She never would have made it without him.  Poetry & Passion:  Annie had a passion for poetry. This was her avenue for expressing the of goodness of God and teaching his word through the art of poetry. She found great pleasure in writing poems for every holiday and various occasions. All the churches in the community would be graced with a poem written by her for every holiday, especially, Easter and Christmas. For certain, it wasn't about Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. Muh's poems talked about her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With every poem was a message and she wanted the poems to serve as inspiration. She especially looked forward to reading a poem in celebration of Martin Luther King's Day. These moments gave her great joy through the years. It never failed, every poem read began with "The title of my poem is"....... Muh, The Great Poet!   Greatest Accomplishment:  Annie's love is, and, always will be her children. She was most proud to have three children in the ministry. She could ring that song for days. Annie followed her children ministering wherever it would take her. She was the mother and matriarch of Love Faithfully Ministries Church since its inception in May 13, 1985. In addition to watching her children develop and live successful lives, over the years she has watched her family grow as more and more grandchildren were etched into her heart. It was her expression of love that made her so endearing. Her love language was food. She wanted you to eat if nothing else and she wouldn't stop asking until you had something. Her family is her legacy. The closeness of her children and grandchildren no doubt in her mind was the greatest of her sacrifices and her greatest accomplishment.  Well Done:  Annie's life has been a blessing to so many people. She relished with joy in saying she has never had ill feelings or confrontation with anyone. A strong, resilient, virtuous woman for "98" long years. How did she want to be remembered? She wanted to be remembered for her honesty and integrity, the strong family unit she built, the poetry from her passion, and the endearing love for her children and grandchildren. Most importantly, she wanted to be remembered for being a woman of God etched and signified with a strong relationship to Christ.  Generation Completed:  Annie's was the last of the second generation for the Neal Family. In her life's journey she has endured the passing of many love ones over the years. In addition to her parents and husband, her twin daughters, Valerica & Veronica Brown, grandchildren, Quentin Brown and Marquet Brown, Sr., sisters, Mary Corbett, Esther Holden, Nancy Fields and Martha Troy, brothers, Johnnie Corbett and James S. Corbett.

All About Family:

The cherished and most endearing memories of Annie (Muh) will always reside in the hearts of her family.

Children

Alcora Brown (caregiver) of the Home

Julius Brown of the Home

Curtis Brown

Marzella Mckoy (husband Clarence Sr.)

Beverly Brown

Oliver L. Brown, Sr. (wife Kim)

Jerry A. Brown (wife Gail)

Eric A. Brown (wife Janice)

Gene K. Brown (wife Sandra)

Rita B. Jackson (husband Rodney)

Carlos A. Sanders (grandson she raised)

Grandchildren

Reginald Smith (wife Julie)

Keisha Brown

Tameka Brown

Leslie Mckoy

Clarence Mckoy, Jr.

Ursula Mckoy

Demond Mckoy

Terrance Brown, Sr.

Akiea Wilson

LaToya Brown

Dawn Brown

Remontie Brown

Timell Wright

Oliver L. Brown, Jr.

Tyron Brown (wife Shequita)

Isiah Neptune

Yannick Brown

Tasia Graham (husband Stephen)

Jerika Brown

Tameshia Baldwin (husband Barry)

Laronda Ballard

Shwaun Ballard (husband Demetrius)

Eric A. Brown, Jr.

Jeremy Brown

Taurean Balloon (wife Elyana)

Travonda Balloon (husband Courtney)

Taylen Balloon (wife Morghan)

35 Great-Grandchildren and 7 Great-Great-Grandchildren

Adopted Sons

Willie Gibbs

Nick Drayton (from Belize)

Michael Troy

Jimmy Lewis

Pete Grainger

Two Special Nieces

Arlinda C. Jacobs

Marilyn Munn

Two Special Nephews

Bishop Kenneth Mckoy

Earnest Fields, Sr.

Daughters-in-Love

Barbara Brown

Mary W. Brown

Bernadette R. Brown