Deaconess Elsie (Simpson) Brothers

Mrs. Elsie Marie Simpson-Brothers was born in Perquimans County North Carolina on July 13, 1938. She was the daughter of Brumsey Simpson and Reva Mallory Simpson White (William Graham White, step-father). Mrs. Brothers was one of five children. 

In her youth, Mrs. Brothers attended Perquimans County Public Schools and later became employed by West Haven Nursing Home in Hertford, NC where she was a Nurses Aid. In her youth, Mrs. Brothers was a member of Leigh’s Temple Church where she met her husband Jessie Brothers who was visiting the church. (Mr. Brothers became a frequent visitor after catching the eye of the young Elsie Simpson.)

On April 13, 1957, the couple united in holy matrimony. Mr. and Mrs. Brothers continued in their values of faith in God and love in family with the hearts rooted in Jesus Christ. Together they joined Moses Temple AME Zion Church. With God’s blessing and grace, they raised 10 children who live to cherish her memory: Ruth Banks (David), Calvin Brothers (Peggy), Ronald Brothers (deceased), Adam Brothers (Jean), Lindale Brothers (Larnetta), Nancy Brothers, Prentis Brothers, Vanessa Brothers-Riddick (William), Tedrick Brothers (Joyeria), and Amy Brothers. 

Mr. and Mrs. Brothers later joined Holy Trinity Community Church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Dr. Charles L. Foster (Ruby) where they remained throughout their lives. Mrs. Brothers served as a Deaconess for over twenty years, committed her time on the Women’s Committee, supported youth programs, and sang with the Holy Trinity Angels and in the Senior Choir until her health began to decline. Each communion service, she would have a testimony or a song to sing. In song, we were reminded “If we had good religion” (certainly Lord!), “to trust in the Lord”, and “to stay on the battlefield”.  Mrs. Brothers loved God and her family.  She enjoyed playing checkers, loved to dance the “Charleston”, and didn’t turn down her favorite desserts: chocolate cakes and vanilla ice cream. Fun fact: Mrs. Brother’s nickname was “Pudding”. 

Mrs. Brothers also leaves to cherish her memory, her sister Jo A. King (Shalamar), 23 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Her siblings Carrie Simpson Coston, Sarah Simpson Green, and William Eddie White, all whom Mrs. Brothers held close and dear to her heart, have preceded her in death. 

Mrs. Brothers had a long, challenging journey with her health. On Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 8:19PM she entered into rest and into the loving, full presence of God.

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