Mildred Earline Brown Rea

February 26, 1930-June 1, 2023

Entrepreneur, florist, daughter, Mrs. Earline, Mrs. Mildred, Sister Rea, Granny Rea, Great-Granny Rea and our beloved mom are just a few of the names of the Princess of our family. Mildred Earline Brown Rea is the daughter of Jim and Ethel Brown (deceased) born in Collinwood, Tennessee and resided in Houston, Mississippi. On September 1, 1945, this young funny energic little "daddy's girl" found herself promising in the presence of God and a few witnesses her heart to her forever love, O'Neal Rea (deceased). Their love story of 63 years would certainly stand the test of time. Their union would bring 6 precious babies into the world: Louie Jr. (deceased), James Larry Rea (deceased), Patricia (Kye) Eubank, Wayne Rea, Gail (Dennis) Johnson, Charlotte (Billy) Adams. The legacy continued with eleven grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grands. Her only living sibling is Mazi (Claude) Allen, Willie Mae (Buck) Jones (deceased), Viva Jean (Kenneth) Ausbern (deceased), Alfred Brown (deceased) and she has a host of nieces and nephews that she was loved by.

I know her sweet young parents had no clue when they chose the name "Earline" for their beautiful baby girl, but it was perfectly fitting and uniquely right on target for their little bundle of joy. Earline means "noblewoman, princess, warrior". All three of these very descriptive words could not illustrate her more beautifully. Her family had a front row seat to her incredible fortitude as she endured the loss of her beloved husband in 2008 and the very next year was forced to say goodbye to her "number one" son, a self-proclaimed title Larry wore with pride. With her heart broken she persevered. She was most definitely a faith and action lady. Her passion for her Lord was without rival. Her faith was a fixture in our home. She was persistent and passionate in her prayer pleas and not for a moment was she shy with her testimony. It is so comforting to realize that her lifetime of prayer petitions will live on and are tucked into the golden bowls of heaven. I am persuaded she is a friend of God. She wore His banner with pride. She was lovely inside and out in every way. I would say without question her personal favorite title was daughter of the King. She always preached that if you loved Jesus first and most everything else would fall into place.

In the famous poem, The Dash, the writer shares of two very important dates that are recorded on our tombstone, the day of our birth and the day of our death. But the most imperative of all is the dash that finds its home directly between the two meaningful years. What we do with our dash is the most significant of all. Recently, our mom was questioned about her long life, and she responded without hesitation, "I would not change a thing." What a powerful declaration of how this lovely lady lived her dash. She was convinced "ALL THINGS" work together for the good of those that love the Lord.

Although we truly feel a piece of us is missing and we cannot seem to hold back the weeping of our hearts, we choose to celebrate her home. We rejoice in the fact that our princess was packed and ready to move into her brand-new eternal home. She has testified of, prayed about, shouted about, and dreamed of this place called heaven.  So today as she meanders by the crystal sea, strolls across the golden streets, and makes her way through the gates of pearl we celebrate her home. We celebrate a life well lived and we honor a fierce regal lady of integrity who has impacted us all. Our Mom she will forever be. This is not goodbye, only see you soon.

Our mom loved her church family. She was a member of the Fairview Church of God of Prophecy in Houston, Mississippi. Her viewing will be on Sunday, June 4, 2023, 1:30-3:00 PM. The funeral service will be Sunday, June 4, 2023, at 3:00 PM at Hamilton Church of God of Prophecy, 40115 McDuffie Cemetery Road, Hamilton, Mississippi 39746. Officiating the services will be Bishop Billy Adams, Bishop James Guest, and Pastor Caleb Adams. Houston Funeral Home is honored to serve the Rea family.

In lieu of flowers you may donate to Fairview CoGoP, 1681 Hwy 8 East, Houston, Mississippi 38851 in loving memory of Earline Rea.