Rita Amelia Brown

Rita Amelia Brown, born Rita Amelia Miller, began life’s journey on March 1, 1943 in New York City as the daughter of Alma Plaskett and Edgar Joseph Miller. Her physical life started then, but her spiritual life began on June 15, 1967 when she made her public declaration and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She leaves behind her six children, daughters, Kim Wilkins and Laurie Buie, sons, Michael, John, Zarklin and Samuel Brown, her siblings, Andrea Wren, Eugene and Bernice Clemons, her aunt, Esther Williams, cousins, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, their supportive spouses and a host of friends who love her. Rita and her family attended congregations in Rockaway Beach, Far Rockaway and Cedarhurst, NY. Later, she attended congregations in both Binghamton. NY and Allentown, PA. Each congregation had wonderful gifts in men, and brothers and sisters who embraced her and her family as lifelong friends. She truly enjoyed her life as a servant of Jehovah, learning to be genuinely happy doing Jehovah’s will. Rita learned the fruitage of the spirit found at Galatians 5: 22, 23. Each aspect was so calming to her that she would repeat them over and over before disciplining her children or facing stressful situations. Even today, her children can repeat each fruitage at the drop of a dime. She also learned what Jesus meant when he said, “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” Even when she did not have a lot to give materially, Jehovah taught her to be generous. She enjoyed feeding local Bethelites on Sundays after the meetings., They, along with her children and their friends would gather for a feast of fried chicken, Spanish rice, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, green beans, cornbread and iced tea. Her home was always filled with people, lots of love and good times. Rita’s relocation to Binghamton, NY was a big change for her. Although she missed her Rockaway family, she enjoyed her new congregation very much. She loved spending time in the ministry, especially when the entire congregation engaged in special preaching campaigns; she loved their pioneer spirit. Although she was not able to be a regular pioneer due to her poor health, Rita rejoiced to have a full share in preaching the good news; it touched her heart! She participated in many avenues of service to Jehovah – house to house ministry, Bible studies, street work, train witnessing and public witnessing. A few years ago, she engaged in cart witnessing for the first time in Baltimore, Maryland along with her daughter, Kim and son-in-law, Ronald. She loved it! In her later years, her daughter, Laurie and son-in-law, Dwayne moved her to Allentown, PA to be closer to them so that they could give greater attention to her needs. She was grateful for the care, kindness and love they expressed throughout the years. Their tireless efforts were priceless! There she found another spiritual family in her congregation. Throughout her life, Rita delighted to share Bible truths with her sons, grandchildren, family, friends, healthcare workers; anyone who crossed her path. She wanted everyone to study the Bible, come to love her heavenly Father, Jehovah, to develop a friendship with Him and know Him as the best friend they could ever have. “Taste and see that Jehovah is good”, as stated as Psalm 34: 8. “Ask questions, research for yourself”, was her advice. Family was always very important to Rita. She wanted each member to know that they had a full support system and should never be afraid to ask for help. Someone would always be there to grab their hand and help lift them up. Keep close to one another. Right now, she is taking a nap but her greatest prayer was to wake up again in the resurrection, pain-free and in vibrant health, and see all of her loved ones waiting to greet her. She will then shower each one with tons of hugs and kisses. That time is just around the corner!