In the morning …

Martha Ella Brown was the baby of five siblings born to Rich and Arizona June Brown. She was born September 27, 1937 in Madisonville, Madison County, Texas. Martha was educated in the Madisonville School System and attended the Marian Anderson School. She was highly involved in Track and Field and according to Professor Louis Davis, “I’d put Brown up against Jesse Owens any day. That ‘gul can run.”

At an early age, Martha dedicated her life to Christ at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. Martha was active, faithful, and a servant in several areas of the church. She strengthened her walk with Christ, brought her children to Him, and remained with Shiloh through its many changes until her health began to fail.

In the noon of day …

Martha moved on to graduate from the Cecil Woolley Beauty Academy in Bryan, Texas where she became a licensed cosmetologist. She cared for the crowns of many in the community for years beyond knowledge. Martha also worked for the Oak Ridge Country Club, where her skills as a bartender and cook are still being raved about by those who witnessed her touch.

Martha labored for well over 35 years in education with the Madisonville Independent School District. She worked tirelessly to encourage, educate, and support not only the students, but staff members, too. Reigning as the Food Services Manager, she felt that no child should be hungry. This mantra carried over into her home. There, many meals were prepared with love and care for not only her children, but for anyone who needed a meal. Food and drink were Martha’s way of showing her love.

Martha was a dancer and tried to cut a rug at times. She was a major supporter of friends and family, but her greatest pride and joy were her grandchildren. If you had a conversation, you’d better get it out before Martha started bragging on them.

In the evening, and the sun goes down …

Martha departed this life on June 1, 2021. She was preceded in death by her father; mother; brother, Ovell; sister, Mary Harrison; and children, Robert, Patricia, Greg, Eric, and Anthony.

She leaves to cherish her memories loving sons, Minister Allen R. Brown and Patrick B. Brown (Melissa); caring daughter, Tomorrow Roundtree (Jerome); dear sister and brother, Minnie Harrison and William “Totts” Brown; sister/niece, Mary Burns (J.B.); special niece, Joyce Harrison; grandchildren, Jacqueline, Amber, Alex, Allen, Jr., Admyria, Dwaylon, Michelle, Patrick, Jr., Telissa, Taylor, and Makayla ; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great -grandchildren; god-children, Angela Clifton, Earll Washington, Chester Craft; god-granddaughter, Christasia Fite; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.

Homegoing services for Martha were held 2 p.m., Saturday, June 5, 2021 at Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas. Interment followed in West End Cemetery. Active pallbearers include Patrick Brown, Jr., Tyreik urns, Tommy Holiday, Jr., Stephen Green, Ray Johnson, Anthony Mann. Honorary pallbearers include Allen Brown, Patrick Brown, Chester Craft, Don Roundtree, Jerome Roundtree, Randy Roundtree.

Arrangements were entrusted to Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.