Ina Pearl Hayes Brown Brothers

Divine humility was personified in Winder, Georgia, on December 24, 1931, when the late George and Estha Brown Hayes gave birth to Ina Pearl Hayes. Being the youngest of eight children, Pearl, as she was affectionately called by her family, was the precious gem who lived with purpose and intention for ninety-one (91) years. She loved and shared the good news of Jesus Christ until she departed this earth on April 4, 2023. The goodness of God was taught to Pearl at an early age at Bush Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church and it was at that young age when she decided to follow Jesus. She followed Jesus and led others to him by being a humble and faithful servant in Bush Chapel and the A.M.E. Zion community until she began experiencing a decline in her health. Ina received her early education in the public school system of Barrow County; however, due to the stifling of education placed on African-Americans during that time, she was unable to graduate from the Barrow County School System. This small hurdle did not stop Ina. She relocated to Rome, Georgia and graduated from Rome High School. She later matriculated through Morris Brown College earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and later receiving her Master of Education degree from Atlanta University. Ina began a career in academia as a teacher in Madison and Barrow Counties (GA) as well as in Canton, GA. She later worked as a Jeanes Teacher (Curriculum Director) in Carroll County, GA. In 1969, Ina married William “Bill” Brown and she relocated to Detroit, Michigan to begin their life together. While in Detroit, Ina worked for the Urban League and Edgar A. Guest Middle School in Detroit, Michigan. She attended Second Baptist Church until her husband’s death. In 1984, Ina married Joseph Brothers and reconnected with her A.M.E. Zion roots at St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church in Detroit. She served faithfully in the church as an organist, stewardess and missionary in addition to serving in several other ministries. Sis. Brothers remained a faithful servant at St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church until she returned home to Winder, GA, after the death of Joseph. Sis. Brothers remained faithful to God by serving in the Bush Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church upon returning to Winder. She quickly became active in several ministries at the church to include Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent, choir member, and a member of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society. Sis. Brothers did not limit herself to just serving in Bush Chapel, she also served as pianist at New Hope A.M.E. Church in Hoschton, GA. Ms. Brothers quickly became involved in the Barrow County Community once she settled in Winder. She stood tall with grace and sophistication and allowed her voice to be heard at City Council and Board of Education meetings, which she would regularly attend. Ms. Brothers was dedicated to her community and this dedication was shown by her volunteer work as a Tax Aide for AARP, tutor, and piano teacher who would give piano lessons to anyone interested in learning. Ina enjoyed playing the piano and organ. She volunteered her time to play the piano and sing for residents at the Winder Rehabilitation Center (Russell Nursing Home). Ms. Brothers also visited the sick in her community to pray with them and offer encouraging words of healing. She frequently volunteered at the Winder Senior Center to support the staff. As an advocate for literacy, she also helped many people learn how to read. With much of her free time being spent serving the community, Ina Brothers felt she still had so much more to do. Morris Brown College, pride of earth gav’st to Ina another birth. Ina loved her Dear Morris Brown and was an active alumna. Ina once served a term as the Corresponding Secretary for the National Alumni Chapter. She was a member of the Women for Morris Brown and was awarded for the contributions she made to the organization. Ina was a woman of determination and anything that she thought needed to be done, she was determined to do it. She organized several fundraising events in Barrow County for her beloved Morris Brown College to give back to her alma mater. Ina coordinated a walk-a-thon and bake sale for the Missionary Society to support their mission. Throughout the years Ina Pearl Brothers was honored with numerous awards from her community, church, and Morris Brown College for her dedication, loyalty, and hard work. Ina was a pillar of the community and of her family. She nurtured four generations of nieces and nephews who lovingly called her “Aunt Pearl” and was also being revered as a mother to those in her neighborhood. She loved her family and was always there to support them at any life event. Her proudest moments were seeing her nieces and nephews graduate as she valued the importance of education. proudly attended pre-k, kindergarten, middle school, high school, and college graduations. Ina loved her church, alma mater, friends, family, and, most of all, she loved the Lord. Ina Pearl Hayes Brown Brothers did not live in vain. For she left this earth with a legacy of love, compassion, kindness, humility, support, friendship and service to mankind. Her family and community have some big shoes to fill. Ina was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and husbands. The legacy of Ina Pearl Hayes Brown Brothers will forever be etched into the minds of those she leaves behind: sister-in-law Martha Hayes (Winder, GA); nieces Lois Reese (Greenville, GA); Karen Hayes (Bethlehem, GA); Roxie Hayes, Charrelle Smith (Lithonia, GA); Robbie (Stanley) Cooper (Statham, GA); and Nakimlia (David) Blythers (Loganville, GA); and nephew Timmie Hayes (Winder, GA); a host of great-nieces, nephews, and great-grand nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Her name and legacy will continue to live on with her great niece and special caregiver Ina Tamika Hayes.

Ina Pearl Hayes Brown Brothers

April 4, 2023 - April 4, 2023