Celeste M. Brown Obituary
Celeste Monique Brown was born to Craigory Moses Brown, Sr, and Barbara Ann Wilson on May 27, 1968, in Philadelphia, PA. Craig Sr - a talented musician - and Barbara Ann - an aspiring entrepreneur - provided the foundation for a life of faith and commitment to the Church, family, and education that would shape Celeste’s relationships and define her goals over time.
After graduating from Northern Nash High School in Rocky Mount, NC, Celeste returned to Philadelphia to attend Gordon Philips Beauty Academy. During that time, she joined Bethel Holy Temple under the leadership of Bishop Thomas J. Martin, Jr. She served in many ministries at Bethel including the Mass Choir, Outreach, and Youth Department. Celeste was instrumental in founding the Daughters of Bethel with her sister Brenda which she held near and dear to her heart throughout her life. It was here at Bethel that Celeste began to assemble her chosen family.
Celeste always had a special place in her heart for children. She began to bring her chosen daughter Jessica to church when she was very young along with other children from her block. She started a childcare program in her home and cared for countless children during the many years that it was in operation. Taking care of children was not a job for Celeste, it was a ministry. Celeste provided personal care and unconditional love to each child that was under her care. Parents who left their children in Celeste’s care knew that their child would be well cared for and lavished with Godly love. Many of her “babies” have since grown up and established lasting bonds with her.
Celeste was blessed with a vast love of knowledge, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Human Services from Chestnut Hill College graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors in May 2016. She went on to earn her Masters of Human Service Administration degree from Chestnut Hill College in May 2019. As of Spring 2022, Celeste had completed her coursework and thesis at Walden University and had only needed to formally defend her thesis for her doctoral degree (PhD) in Human Services to be officially conferred.
In line with her professional and academic interests, Celeste was a Shepherd and Caregiver at heart. She loved immensely, nurtured with a loving and steady hand, and listened in a way that made all those who gravitated to her feel safe and seen. She was kind and considerate, yet fierce and fearless - with an unwavering spirit characterized by strength and loyalty that made her the bedrock of her family.
Always close to her roots, Celeste followed her paternal grandmother’s - Nana Mildred Brown - footsteps by immersing herself in the Christian community, providing love, light, and leadership to everyone she touched. Under the Holy Spirit’s guidance Celeste flourished spiritually.
God gifted Celeste with many creative gifts. She was an author, playwright, and praise dancer. It was not uncommon for Celeste to wake up from a dream, grab a pen and paper and write a skit to be performed at an upcoming church gathering. She founded Ashay Dance Ministry and established the Creative and Performing Arts Ministry at Family Worship Center. She continued to work with young people using her God given creative gifts even up until recent times.
In 2000 Celeste became a founding member of Family Worship Center under the leadership of Pastors Barry and Dayna Devine. Celeste was ordained under their leadership. Celeste also served as an Elder in the Next Dimension Fellowship of Churches and Ministries under the late Bishop Wendell Miller. In 2013, Celeste brought her spiritual gifts to Mt. Olive Holy Temple to sit under the leadership of Bishop Martin once again, where she would remain until her death. Celeste appreciated every opportunity to serve God and his people to the best of her ability. Illness nor the pandemic could stop her from working for the Lord. Celeste along with Sister Brenda McKune established a weekly virtual prayer circle “The Boiler Room” to help encourage Christians far and wide. Bringing people together from all walks of life, Celeste redefined traditional notions of family, expanding her circle in ways that would enrich the lives of everyone around her.
Ever-present for those who needed her, Celeste always made time to provide counsel and guidance, and she rejoiced in the pleasure of being surrounded by love. All of Celeste’s loved ones knew that she loved, cherished, and appreciated each of them individually and the unique relationships that they all shared. She will be eternally loved and celebrated.
Celeste is survived by her grandmother, Nana Mildred Brown, mother, Barbara Ann; father, Craig Sr.; daughter Jessica; sister, Gabrielle; brothers, Craig Jr., Derrick, and Jason; granddaughters Skylar and Peyton; stepfather, Maurice; stepmother, Patricia; Aunts Gina and Marcia; and Uncle Ray. Her cousins, Marlita; Sha; BJ, JonMarc; Briana; and Nia. Her nieces and nephews, Nicholas; Christian; Anastasia; and Stella.
Celeste’s loving Philadelphia-based Chosen family is vast and strong, consisting of her Godmothers; Margaret Simpson, and Rita Gray. Godfather Charles Smith. Godchildren; Nadia, Joshua, Leshonda, Veronica, Lauren, Tyler, Myles, Drew, Kirsten, Kristan, Kobe, Desirae and Barry Jr. Her chosen Sisters/God sisters; Brenda, Leneta, Lori, Dayna, Carlyn, Candy, Sheri, Tashinna, Sylvia, Stephanie, Samyra, Tiffany, and Sonya. A host of chosen nieces and nephews and countless loving friends.
Musical PreludeCharles Smith
ProcessionalClergy and Family
Opening Hymn
Prayer of ComfortPastor Baroness Martin, The King’s Table
Old Testament Scripture and New Testament Scripture:
Pastor Charles M. Brokenboorough, Assistant Pastor Household of Faith Deliverance Worship Center
Solo:Ronald Draper
Remarks and Tributes
Pastor Dayne Devine, Empowering Word Ministries
Elder Renee Simmons, Mt. Olive Holy Temple
Ashay Praise Dance Ministry
Elder Rita Gray and Margaret Simpson, Celeste’s Godmothers
Nadia Loury, First Godchild
Song: True Worship
Evangelist Candy Hagamin and Stephanie Oliver, Representing Celeste’s Chosen Sisters
Family Tribute:Craigory M. Brown, Jr., Celeste’s Brother
Song Mt. Olive Holy Temple and Bethel Mass Choirs
Words of Encouragement:
Bishop Thomas J. Martin, Jr. Pastor of Mt. Olive Holy Temple
Solo: Evangelist Elaine Janell McIver
Eulogist:
Elder Cleveland K. Spivey, Jr., Pastor of Wildwood Pentecostal Church
Final Viewing
After graduating from Northern Nash High School in Rocky Mount, NC, Celeste returned to Philadelphia to attend Gordon Philips Beauty Academy. During that time, she joined Bethel Holy Temple under the leadership of Bishop Thomas J. Martin, Jr. She served in many ministries at Bethel including the Mass Choir, Outreach, and Youth Department. Celeste was instrumental in founding the Daughters of Bethel with her sister Brenda which she held near and dear to her heart throughout her life. It was here at Bethel that Celeste began to assemble her chosen family.
Celeste always had a special place in her heart for children. She began to bring her chosen daughter Jessica to church when she was very young along with other children from her block. She started a childcare program in her home and cared for countless children during the many years that it was in operation. Taking care of children was not a job for Celeste, it was a ministry. Celeste provided personal care and unconditional love to each child that was under her care. Parents who left their children in Celeste’s care knew that their child would be well cared for and lavished with Godly love. Many of her “babies” have since grown up and established lasting bonds with her.
Celeste was blessed with a vast love of knowledge, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Human Services from Chestnut Hill College graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors in May 2016. She went on to earn her Masters of Human Service Administration degree from Chestnut Hill College in May 2019. As of Spring 2022, Celeste had completed her coursework and thesis at Walden University and had only needed to formally defend her thesis for her doctoral degree (PhD) in Human Services to be officially conferred.
In line with her professional and academic interests, Celeste was a Shepherd and Caregiver at heart. She loved immensely, nurtured with a loving and steady hand, and listened in a way that made all those who gravitated to her feel safe and seen. She was kind and considerate, yet fierce and fearless - with an unwavering spirit characterized by strength and loyalty that made her the bedrock of her family.
Always close to her roots, Celeste followed her paternal grandmother’s - Nana Mildred Brown - footsteps by immersing herself in the Christian community, providing love, light, and leadership to everyone she touched. Under the Holy Spirit’s guidance Celeste flourished spiritually.
God gifted Celeste with many creative gifts. She was an author, playwright, and praise dancer. It was not uncommon for Celeste to wake up from a dream, grab a pen and paper and write a skit to be performed at an upcoming church gathering. She founded Ashay Dance Ministry and established the Creative and Performing Arts Ministry at Family Worship Center. She continued to work with young people using her God given creative gifts even up until recent times.
In 2000 Celeste became a founding member of Family Worship Center under the leadership of Pastors Barry and Dayna Devine. Celeste was ordained under their leadership. Celeste also served as an Elder in the Next Dimension Fellowship of Churches and Ministries under the late Bishop Wendell Miller. In 2013, Celeste brought her spiritual gifts to Mt. Olive Holy Temple to sit under the leadership of Bishop Martin once again, where she would remain until her death. Celeste appreciated every opportunity to serve God and his people to the best of her ability. Illness nor the pandemic could stop her from working for the Lord. Celeste along with Sister Brenda McKune established a weekly virtual prayer circle “The Boiler Room” to help encourage Christians far and wide. Bringing people together from all walks of life, Celeste redefined traditional notions of family, expanding her circle in ways that would enrich the lives of everyone around her.
Ever-present for those who needed her, Celeste always made time to provide counsel and guidance, and she rejoiced in the pleasure of being surrounded by love. All of Celeste’s loved ones knew that she loved, cherished, and appreciated each of them individually and the unique relationships that they all shared. She will be eternally loved and celebrated.
Celeste is survived by her grandmother, Nana Mildred Brown, mother, Barbara Ann; father, Craig Sr.; daughter Jessica; sister, Gabrielle; brothers, Craig Jr., Derrick, and Jason; granddaughters Skylar and Peyton; stepfather, Maurice; stepmother, Patricia; Aunts Gina and Marcia; and Uncle Ray. Her cousins, Marlita; Sha; BJ, JonMarc; Briana; and Nia. Her nieces and nephews, Nicholas; Christian; Anastasia; and Stella.
Celeste’s loving Philadelphia-based Chosen family is vast and strong, consisting of her Godmothers; Margaret Simpson, and Rita Gray. Godfather Charles Smith. Godchildren; Nadia, Joshua, Leshonda, Veronica, Lauren, Tyler, Myles, Drew, Kirsten, Kristan, Kobe, Desirae and Barry Jr. Her chosen Sisters/God sisters; Brenda, Leneta, Lori, Dayna, Carlyn, Candy, Sheri, Tashinna, Sylvia, Stephanie, Samyra, Tiffany, and Sonya. A host of chosen nieces and nephews and countless loving friends.
Musical PreludeCharles Smith
ProcessionalClergy and Family
Opening Hymn
Prayer of ComfortPastor Baroness Martin, The King’s Table
Old Testament Scripture and New Testament Scripture:
Pastor Charles M. Brokenboorough, Assistant Pastor Household of Faith Deliverance Worship Center
Solo:Ronald Draper
Remarks and Tributes
Pastor Dayne Devine, Empowering Word Ministries
Elder Renee Simmons, Mt. Olive Holy Temple
Ashay Praise Dance Ministry
Elder Rita Gray and Margaret Simpson, Celeste’s Godmothers
Nadia Loury, First Godchild
Song: True Worship
Evangelist Candy Hagamin and Stephanie Oliver, Representing Celeste’s Chosen Sisters
Family Tribute:Craigory M. Brown, Jr., Celeste’s Brother
Song Mt. Olive Holy Temple and Bethel Mass Choirs
Words of Encouragement:
Bishop Thomas J. Martin, Jr. Pastor of Mt. Olive Holy Temple
Solo: Evangelist Elaine Janell McIver
Eulogist:
Elder Cleveland K. Spivey, Jr., Pastor of Wildwood Pentecostal Church
Final Viewing
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Celeste M. Brown hosted by Pennick Funeral Home.
Events
Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Celeste M. Brown.