Barbara Ann Brown

Ms. Barbara Brown entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 7, 2025. Born in Booker Heights, Alabama, to Mabel (Brown) Rios and Deacon Earl Brown, she was a cherished mother, godmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and singer whose voice brought comfort and joy to all who heard it!

Her musical journey began early in life at her hometown church choir. In 1955, Barb moved to Bay City, Michigan with her mother, where they became members of Second Baptist Church. Much of her early gospel music experience was influenced by local gospel singer Mabel Dangerfield and Barb’s godmother, Anita Ivy. She then joined the Madison Avenue Baptist Church with Aunt Nita and became the choir director.

As a very young woman, Barb moved to Chicago, Illinois. There she was introduced to stage life in the world of R&B and Jazz, and sang with famous jazz pianist, Jack McDuff! Professional modeling was also a part of her Chicago experience.

Upon returning to Bay City, Second Baptist, and her gospel roots, Barb sang with the 1st Trinity Singers of Saginaw/Zenobia Burden, Wings of Harmony/Mary Williams-Works, The Voices of Truth, The Ellerettes/Elnora Burney, and Shekinah Glory Praise and Worship Team/Second Baptist Church. Ms. Brown expanded her musical accomplishments and birthed the Bay City Community Choir which still consists of members of several churches in the community at large.

As an active member of Second Baptist Church, she served faithfully for many years, as Choir Director, Praise Team member, and Choir Director. She also served as a youth Sunday School teacher and Dorcas Women’s Auxiliary president.

Barb was a proud retiree of General Motors (Chevrolet Plant of Bay City) where she worked in leadership in Quality and Safety, and also as the first, black, female foreman.

Sister Brown is survived by her daughter, Sandra Hunter, Toledo, Ohio; grandchildren, Natasha Knight, Bay City, Michigan; Dr. Mark Knight, Jr., Los Angeles, California, Barbara, Alexandria, and Jeremiah Hunter all of Toledo, Ohio, and Alex Luther (Keandra) Hunter, Tennessee; great-grandchildren Rayanna, Giovanni, Dream, Alexianna, Jordan, and Sarina; one brother, James Brown, Birmingham, Alabama, and godbrother, Eric Coleman, Bay City, MI; nieces, nephews, and cousins. Barbara boasted of having over 30 special godchildren including Esther Holmes, Denise Tyiska, Temelva Brown, Pastor Samuel Doyle, Rementa Doyle, Jalynn Welch, Eunice Wilson, Thomas McCullough, and Jaylon Brown; two very special young men, Easton Coleman, and Elijah James "EJ" Doyle; Pastor Marcelle T. (Lady Jennifer) Smith and her Historic Second Baptist Church family, and her precious cat, Speckles Brown.

She was predeceased by her son, Eric D. Brown; father, Deacon Earl Brown; mother, Mabel (Brown) Rios; stepfather, Ernest Rios; aunt, Maybelle Ferdinand; and son-in-law, Alexander Hunter, Sr.

The family would like to acknowledge some special people who expressed their love and care for Barbara: the McLaren medical staff, Dr. Campos, Jamie Coleman, Eric Coleman (godbrother), Donna Sullivan, and Denise Tyiska, (goddaughter). “Thank you” is inadequate to express our appreciation for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support we continue to receive. Your prayers, hugs, visits, calls, Facebook posts, text messages, gifts, floral tributes, and food gives great comfort and peace to us all. Please continue to pray for us as we adjust to living without the presence of one who brought us so much joy and gave unselfish service to so many! May God continue to bless and keep you in His everlasting arms.