Obituaries

Mary Ellen Brew was born June 13, 1939, in Winnfield, Louisiana, where she grew up with her Mother Bernice, Father Wentworth and siblings. She attended elementary school in and graduated from Pinecrest High School. Her dream was to go into the Peace Corp. She married Charles Edward Brew (affectionately known as Joe Louis), on May 22, 1957, enjoying 57 years of marriage. Her early years of marriage and motherhood were spent keeping her children involved in school activities and sports, organizing and leading said activities.

She dedicated her life to supporting her spouse during 40+ years of military service, moving from the East Coast to Hawaii and eventually settling on the West Coast. As a leader of military wives for the Navy, she was selected as Military Wife of the Year in 1973 in Alameda, California, and recognized by the President of the United States.

Mary attended college and took classes with a focus in writing. She was employed by First Interstate Bank, and worked as a teller, loan officer and personal banker.

Mary was extremely creative and gifted. She willingly worked with her hands (Proverbs 31:13, NKJ), as a clothing designer, seamstress and florist. She had her own clothing line in a major department store in Hawaii and dedicated years of service as a costume designer for major productions at the Cathedral of Faith. Additionally, she ran Mary’s Eloquent Designs, providing floral services for weddings and various events in the community.

Mary lived a life of service. She ministered to women at women’s shelters, and participated in the Cathedral of Faith Women’s ministry, as a key speaker, delivering hope and love. Furthermore, she worked alongside her husband visiting convalescent homes and City Team Ministries. She participated in volunteerism, community involvement and overall ministering to others. She was an evangelist; her greatest joy was sharing “Who God Is” and hearing about, or witnessing when someone came to Jesus. Her dream of service in the Peace Corp was fulfilled throughout her years of ministry within the United States.

She loved to sew. She loved reading, listening to, and preaching God’s word. She also loved to write (creating two unpublished books). She was easily recognized by her iconic red lipstick, beautiful headwraps, calming voice and bright smile!

Mary Brew passed peacefully on Sunday evening, May 14, 2023, at the age of 83. She is preceded in death by her parents Bernice Conley Martin and Wentworth Martin, brother Claude Dickerson and loving husband Charles Edward Brew.

She was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by siblings, Joe Ann Parker, Terrell Martin, and Roy Charles Martin; her children Marco L. Brew (Maritza), Cassandra L. Brew, Cathy B. Brew, Carl T. Brew, Emmanuel L. Brew and Mary Todd (Anthony). She is also survived by grandchildren: Condoleezza, Alyssandra, Natasha, Victoria, Adrianne, Carmen, Carl, Jr. (Tarje), Isaac, Trea, Josiah-AKA Logan (Alex), Anthony, Jeremiah, Moriah, and Ellamae; and great-grandchildren: Joseph Emmanuel, Aaliyah, Asia, Julian, Evangeline and Anghellic.

She treasured her husband, her children, her grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Nana. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 4, 2023 from 12-1 p.m. with a Chapel Service starting at 1 p.m. at Fremont Memorial Chapel, located at 3723 Peralta Boulevard in Fremont, California.

Mary will be buried alongside her husband. The burial will take place on Monday, June 5, 2023, 10 a.m. at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, located at 5810 Midway Road in Dixon, California.