Esther Brown, age 91, of East Leroy, joyfully entered heaven’s gates on December 15th, 2021. Esther was born on October 11th, 1930, to William and Edna Cozadd. Tragedy struck the family soon after her birth, with the passing of her father. Much like Queen Esther in the Bible, Esther was sent to live with family to raise and care for her. But like Queen Esther, God had an incredible plan for her, and He would prove faithful.
Esther was born in Gaines, MI and attended Unionville high school. After graduating, she set off for CEI, Christian Evangelical Institute, in Chicago, IL. It is there that she met the love of her life, Dale Brown. They were married on August 11th, 1951, and were blessed with 63 years of marriage, 2 children, 3 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. They pledged their lives to the Lord and quickly entered full time ministry together after their wedding.
Esther held many positions through the years, touching thousands of lives. She was passionate about telling others about Jesus, leading mission trips around the world, fighting hunger, leading and raising enormous amounts at fundraisers for missions and building projects. Her passion was contagious! When she wasn’t raising awareness for the hurting and the lost around the world, she was busy leading and organizing small groups and tending to the many needs of the local church and community, serving in countless ways.
In nearly every church Dale and Esther ministered at, their fingerprints can be found. Dale and Esther headed up many expansion and remodeling projects for the churches they served. Dale was an extremely gifted carpenter and craftsman, as well as architect. Esther was always his right hand, and they were an incredible team! They also built and designed their cottage together, and later their retirement home. They shared their gifts, knowledge, and skill with their children, Ken and Kathy, and helped each with homes of their own, as well as sharing in their passion for the Lord, and serving in ministry.
If you didn’t find Esther at church, you could find her out in the gardens hard at work. Esther loved gardening and was a Master gardener. She helped and blessed many with her knowledge and love for all things beautiful.
Another love of Esther’s was her family and hosting beautiful family gatherings. She is famous for her desserts and baked goods. We always knew we would find a pan of fresh scotch-a-roos at each visit, a family favorite!
Esther was fiercely independent, strong willed, and organized. A gift used for such a time as this, to bring glory to God. We celebrate Esther’s life, we thank God for her, and we rejoice in the reunification with Dale, baby Bobby, her father, and so many more. We hold onto our last moments together with Esther here on this earth as we worshipped together and sang a blessing over each other. The Lord bless you, and keep you, make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face towards you, and give you peace. Amen!
Special thank you to Joyce, Heidi, Josephine, Chad, Franklin, and numerous sweet neighbors who generously loved on Esther and became like family. We thank you and praise God for you!
Arrangements are in the care of the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home in Battle Creek. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be given at the funeral home https://www.henryfuneralhome.org/
Last Updated on December 20, 2021