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Deborah Lynn Brown

Born: 12/7/1953
Died: 7/28/2025
Age: 71
Community: Burton, MI

Deborah Lynn Brown, age 71, passed from this life into life eternal on July 28, 2025, in the comfort of her home, leaving a legacy of love, faith, service and strength.

Funeral will be held at 11am Friday, August 1, 2025, at South Flint Tabernacle, G3450 Saginaw Street, Burton. Bishop Robert Henson and Pastor Jason McGhee officiating.

Visitation will be held from 3-5 and 6-8 Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Swartz Funeral Home 1225 W. Hill Rd. Flint, and Friday, August 1, 2025, at 10am at the church till the time of service.

She was born on December 7, 1953, to Robert Franklin Shumaker and Merry Joyce Shumaker (Sloan). Debbie grew up on the shores of Lake Fenton, where her love for the water was born and never faded. Her life was forever changed when she found her spiritual home at South Flint Tabernacle, where she fell deeply in love with the Lord and the church community.

On February 11, 1983, she married Raymond Brown, and together they began a lifelong journey of serving God—a calling that shaped every part of their shared life. She worked many years at General Motors, served in volunteer and staff capacities at Tabernacle Christian Academy, as well as at Daystar Childcare Center.

She was a godly example and mentor to her family and many others. A lifelong learner with a love for reading, she was a teacher at heart. Whether in the classroom or through countless volunteer roles, she poured herself into the lives of children, always seeking to nurture, guide, and encourage. For many years, she and Ray faithfully ran a church bus route, bringing children and families to worship. Together, they also led the children’s ministry at South Flint Tabernacle, planting seeds of faith that continue to grow through their family. They started a legacy of Children’s Ministry that has run through their family.

Debbie was known for her thoughtfulness and her deep desire to help others. She never sought the spotlight, preferring instead to lift up those around her through prayer and quiet acts of kindness and grace. She was a true lady.

Together Debbie and Ray raised four children, Paul, James, Andrew and Deborah. Debbie was also like a second mother to Rev. Michael (Cindy) Brown. As a teacher at heart, she taught her children MANY lessons, whether they were ready to listen or not. Her home was known as a safe and fun hangout for the youth of SFT, and she was famous for her Saturday morning pancake breakfast buffet and her sausage gravy and biscuits.

The arrival of grandchildren brought Debbie a new level of joy. She was always caring for little ones—whether at home or at church—delighting in every moment spent with her grandchildren. Before worship services, she could almost always be found either in the prayer room or working in the SFT shop and usually had one or more of her grandchildren with her. She was teaching them with her words and her actions how to serve God and serve their church.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Ray Brown; her children, Rev. Paul (Rebekah) Brown, Rev. James (Rachel) Brown, Rev. Andrew (Tiffany) Brown, Deborah (Garett) Knapp, as well as an unofficially adopted, but loved, son, Rev. Anthony (Laura) Gonzalez; grandchildren: Elliana, Kaleb, Isaac, Austin, Alaynna, Preston,
Gabrielle and Judah; sister, Pam (Bob) Perkins, brother, Robert (Becki) Shumaker, many special aunts, cousins and dear friends, all of whom were touched by her sweet spirit and faithful devotion to Jesus Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Deborah Lynn Brown lived a life that radiated the love of Christ—quietly, faithfully, and powerfully. Her memory will continue to shine as a guiding light for all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the South Flint Tabernacle Building Fund.

Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com
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  Swartz Funeral Home & Cremation Center
1225 West Hill Road
Flint, MI 48507

Phone: (810) 235-2345

Web Site: http://www.swartzfuneralhomeinc.com

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Visitation
Date:   7/31/2025
Time:   3:00 PM
Visitation will be held from 3-5 and 6-8 Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Swartz Funeral Home 1225 W. Hill Rd. Flint, and Friday, August 1, 2025, at 10am at the church till the time of service.
 
Funeral Service
Date:   8/1/2025
Time:   11:00 AM
 
Location:   South Flint Tabernacle
G-3450 Saginaw Street
Burton, MI 48529

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