Mother Willie Mae Wade Brown, 95 years old from Collinsville, VA, departed her life peacefully at her home on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. She was born in Fieldale, VA, on June 20, 1930, to the late Reverend Willie and Alice Wade. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Roosevelt Brown, Jr.; her son, Wilbert Herman Brown; and three sisters, Mrs. Martha Ann Peoples, Mrs. Louise Scott, and Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Preston, and lastly, her dear friend, Ms. Evelyn Brown.

Mother Willie Mae was a faithful and devoted member of Divine Faith Holiness Church. She attended George Washington Carver High School, graduating with the class of 1949 and later studied education at St. Paul College. She dedicated twenty-six years of service to American of Martinsville and was known by many as the “Best Cook” to ever serve at Floyd's Community Store.

A virtuous woman with a heart full of compassion, Mother Willie Mae devoted her life to serving God and caring for others. She faithfully worked alongside her pastor and served as Church Mother for many years until her health declined. Her wisdom, kindness, and unwavering faith touched the lives of countless people within her church and community.

Known for her sharp mind, gentle spirit, and vibrant personality, Mother Willie Mae found her greatest joy in her family. She deeply loved her children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren and cherished every opportunity to spend time with them. She especially enjoyed spoiling her grandchild Maurice, who held a special place in her heart. She could often be found at her daughter's home, busy washing clothes, cleaning, cooking, or enjoying her favorite television program, Wheel of Fortune. One of her daily pleasures was talking on the phone with her brother, Roger Wade.

Mother Mae leaves to cherish her memory Michael (Robin) Brown, Gladys Brown Gravely, Iris (Jeffrey) Hairston, Sherry Brown, Gary Belcher, Tonya Belcher, Larry Brown, and Dwayne Belcher; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Though she will be greatly missed, her legacy of faith love, and devotion to family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A visitation service will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with the funeral service at 11 a.m. at Refuge Temple Ministries, 205 Clearview Dr., Martinsville with Bishop Alan Preston, Officiating and Bishop Elect Marshall Wells, Eulogist. Interment will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens, 869 Parkway Dr., Martinsville.

The family will receive friend at Hairston Funeral Home on Friday, June 12, 2026, between the hours f 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Other times, the family will receive friends at the residence, 1130 Laurel Lane, Collinsville, VA. Live streaming of the funeral service will be available at Hairston Funeral Home live via Facebook.

Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.