Marie was born on May 8, 1938 to the late Ernest & Mattie Champion in Vance County, N.C as on of the seven children. She accpeted Christ at an early age and was a member of St. Peter Baptist Church. Marie was always ambitious and determinded which lef to her many accomplishments. She graduated from Virgina Union university in 1979 with a degree in Social work and instilled in her childern and grandchildren the vaule of edcuation. Marie was a proud member of Alpha Kappa Soroity Inc. The Black Social Workers Association, and Cackling Hens Pokeno Club. She retired from MCV where she worked as a Social Worker. Marie loved to sew for herself and her family as well as macrame. Her creativity and intelligence will always be remembered and admired. Marie devoted her life to helping others and inspiring everyone around her. Her kind heart and willingness to put the needs of others nefore her own is the reason she was loved and cherished by many. She was soft spoken and very conservative but her beauty and grace was undeniable. She was a proud member of AKA and gave so much to the comminity and peaople around her. She learned to speak French and was able to travel the world in her youth. She left the world on December 7, 2019 knowing she had done everything she was supposed to do her on earth. Her body is not here but her spirt lives within her family and all the people she touched.

She is preceded in death by her husband Edward E. Brown. She leaves to cherish her memories two children, Rufus Thomas (Ojetta) and Darla Coppedge: siser Isabell Rogers; Grandchildren Jerell and Shakir Thomas; Bonus grandchildren, Davion Green, Ahvonna Adams, LaShanda Hunter and Jessica Crittendon; Bonus greatchildren, Miniya and Quinn Green; Quameel Adams. Devoted friend/sister, Jesse Roots; devoted friend and caregiver, Kennth Jones and a host of other friends and loved ones.