Mother Altha L Brown

We are saddened to announce the transition of Mother Altha L. Brown.

Altha Lee (Harper) Brown was born August 19, 1931 in Milledgeville, Georgia to the late Lillie Mae and John Harper Sr. She was the third eldest of ten children. She accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. The family relocated to Cincinnati, OH. 

Altha met George Q. Brown (deceased) and on December 11, 1954, they were united in holy matrimony. This young couple was very talented vocally George Q. sang with the Brown Brothers Gospel Quartet while Altha sang with the Harper Sisters. They were known throughout the Cincinnati area for their soul stirring voices. Later, George Q. Brown accepted a call to the ministry of the gospel. Altha was there by his side supporting his ministry through song. In April, 1968 they were blessed with a bundle of joy, a bouncing baby girl Cathy Lynne who was affectionately called by her father "His One Bug" and by her mother "Lady".

Altha was known for her beautiful smile. melodious voice and her culinary skills. She served faithfully with her husband in his pastorate of the New Mission Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio for 18 years. Although Altha was employed for several years in Cincinnati, it was her husband's desire and her joy to be a homemaker and raise their daughter. When her husband accepted a new pastorate they relocated to Cleveland, OH and she fulfilled that role with great pride. 

In 1976 he was called to the Pastorate of the Second New Hope Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio (serving for twenty-eight years until he retired). There she continued to be steadfast in her service to her husband and the Lord. The church being without a First Lady for several years was elated to have a First Lady. She not only served in that capacity as an elegant woman of God but she taught Sunday school, sang and directed the choir and later became the lead directress of the music ministry of Second New Hope. 

Throughout the pastorate of her husband there were many young men that were called to the ministry and became a part under his leadership. Mother Brown had a way of making each one feel special as sons in the ministry. But there were two that developed a deep father/son relationship with her husband and she called them "My Sons. The bond cultivated over many years ago still remained. 

Altha was involved in denominational work with the Women's Auxiliary and Minister's Wives Associations on local, state and national levels, serving in various positions.. She also enjoyed bowling with her husband in church and the women's leagues. She had a love for dogs and was very fond of taking walks in her favorite place which was Garfield Park. 

Altha being a songstress was known throughout the country for her soprano voice singing such songs as: "How Great Thou Art", "Precious Lord", her foot patting and hand clapping rendition of "You Can't Hurry God" and many others. Nothing brought her more joy than to fix one of her awesome Sunday dinners that included: oxtails, mac n cheese, sweet potato pie, her famous lemonade and most of all her good ole homemade rolls. Not only did Altha greet you with a big smile. but also with "How we doing?" 

Altha was known for her elegant style of dress and was always ready for any occasion. Other than when she was in the choir or directing, she was almost never seen in church without some type of hat. She loved hats and would often refer to them as "A Sharp Church Hat." 

Mother Brown was faithful to God, her church, family and friends. Although she had health challenges, she would attend church and continue to praise God until her health declined. If you would start a song. she would join in even if it was only a word of the song. 

Altha affectionately called "Mother Brown', 'Ma Brown' departed this life peacefully on Sunday, July 14, 2024. 

The Life, Love, and Legacy will live on in the hearts and memories of her daughter: Cathy Lynne: three grandchildren who affectionately called her "Mims": Gerard, Roshea Jr. and Charde (Josh); four great-grandchildren who fondly called her "Ganny Gianni, Kaleah, Cartier and Roshea III: one sister: Ollie Mae Presley: one brother: Jeffery Johnson; two sons that she affectionately called 'My Sons': Rev. Dr. Robert 'Choo Choo' Smith (Wanda) and Rev. Dr. Chelton 'Chris' Flanagan (Mari); one god-daughter. Cherry Martin: one god-son: William 'Billy Gaither; and a close family like member: Michelle 'Mick': There were many others that held a special place in her heart including a host of other relatives and friends. 

Altha was preceded in death by her husband: Rev. George Q. Brown; three brothers: Smith, David and John: four sisters: Johnnie Bell, Barbara, Augustine. and Evalene: and a beloved sister n law. Constance Harper 

Mother Brown had a heart filled with love and compassion to go along with that radiant smile. This was felt by family and friends alike. She truly loved family gatherings at her home and the Harper/Johnson Family reunions. She will be missed but never forgotten. 

"If you miss me. from singing down here and you can't find me nowhere, come on up to bright glory. I'll be singing up there."

A public viewing will be held on July 26, 2024, 3:00PM to 5:00PM at the House Of Peace Funeral Home, 4105 East 71st Street, Cleveland, OH. The Celebration of Life Services will be held on July 27, 2024, 9:00AM Wake and 10:30AM Service at the Second New Hope Baptist Church, 2917 E 116th, Street, Cleveland, OH.  Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, Eulogist. Officiant: Dr. Chelton C. Flanagan.  Interment will be 10:15AM on July 29, 2024, at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on Mother Brown's Tribute Wall.