Miranda Ann Brown Thomas of 101 Hollis Bridge Court, Leesburg, Georgia died Thursday, February 14, 2019 at her residence. The funeral l service will be held Thursday, February 21, 2019 at 11:00 A. M. in the sanctuary of the Union Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. The burial will follow at the Floral Memory Garden in Albany, Georgia. If you are reading this life story, then it means that I have gone to glory before the “rapture”. I have lived a great life, traveled near and far, worked at places that I loved, and had the love and support of my family. On a crisp full morning, December 2, 1970, I was born to the late Frank Brown and Erma Diane Gaines Brown in Cobb, Georgia (Sumter County). I was the third girl and the eighth child of nine born to this union. My sister Bernadette Brown Bell proceeded me in death. My childhood was happy and uneventful as I was reared by my paternal grandmother, the late Anna Brown and my paternal aunt, the late Mary Alice Ware for six and a half years. Then my parents made me come home so that I would not become a spoiled, lazy and disrespectful brat. I didn’t want to go home so I cried a lot. However, when I look back, that was the best thing my family did for me. I attended the Sumter County Public Schools and graduated from Sumter County High School in 1989. While in high school, I participated in the Upward Bound Program at Georgia Southwestern University in Americus, Georgia which prepared me for college life as I transitioned to the university. I graduated with a Bachelors in Science (B.S.) in Sociology, a Masters in Science (M.S.) in Administration, and a M.S. in post-secondary Education from Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW). My education prepared me for many employment opportunities. The Middle Flint Behavior Health Care Corporation afforded me my first job as a Consumer Technician Case manager for clients. Later in life, I was employed at the Lee County Health Care Golden Age Nursing and Retirement Home as the Director of Social Services. God allowed me to return to my roots at GSW to support under privileged scholars navigate the educational system in the Student Support Services Department. My committed efforts and compassion proved effective as I was promoted to Assistant Director of the department in two short years. My final destination in the workforce was accomplished at The Rosalyn Carter Institute for Care Giving on the campus of GSW. As a Coordinator, this challenge provided insight about how to navigate the system of healthcare for my elderly father and other family members. In my wildest dreams, I could never have imagined that a little black girl raised in rural Sumter County, Georgia would be entrusted with such a prestigious position as to educate and empower family members who are faced with the role of “caregivers” on a daily basis. Such flexible providers must still maintain their jobs, homes and families. I was extremely ecstatic to have worked for former first lady Rosalyn Carter. At an early age, I became a disciple for Jesus and joined the New Zion Baptist Church in Cobb, GA during revival in 1980 under the leadership of Rev. Jesse Watts. However, in 2003, I later moved my membership to Union Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. John A. Severson in Albany, Georgia. I met Cedrick R. Thomas when he and his team came to inspect the nursing facility where I worked at the time. We were married August 11, 2002. This loving union produced two smart and intelligent daughters. We traveled extensively as a family and constantly instilled morals, values and the tools to become productive adults to our beautiful daughters. I was a giving and caring person who tried to help anyone. I always found satisfaction while assisting and serving others. It is with joy and sadness, I leave to cherish happy memories: my loving and faithful husband, Cedrick Ricordo Thomas; two loving and supportive daughters, Cemirra Vontressia Thomas (Prissy) and Cemiya Marye Thomas (Missy); two step-daughters, Tarsha Crews (Jay) and Rhonkilsha Thomas both of Atlanta, GA; one step-daughter proceeded me in death, Latoya Thomas; one loving sister, Patricia Brown, Americus, GA; six brothers, Calvin Brown of Columbus, GA; Glenn Brown; Wayne Brown; Ray Brown; and Jeffrey Brown all of Americus, GA; Chris Brown of Waldorf, MD; second mother, Mary “Gammie” English (Willie); aunt, Margie Brown of Brunswick, GA; cousin who is more of an aunt, Gwynn Gaines of Philadelphia, PA; mother-in-law, Bettye Faye Thomas of Macon, GA; a devoted sister-in-law, Vontressa Childs (Derrick); brother –in-law, Henry Bell; nine nephews; ten nieces; special friends, Juanita Ellis, Felicia Hill, Audrey Lawrence, Keisha Mansfield, and Katrisha Williams. I love you all.