Obituary

Maudessie M. Brumfield
October 04, 1922 - July 14, 2017


“Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth; yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them.” – Revelations 14:13 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me that day…” – 2 Timothy 4:7-8
When God created the female species and endowed her with the ability to reproduce, Inc was creating the Greatest Soul on Earth.... A Mother! Maudessie M. Brumfield was such a Mother. Affectionately called "Big Momma", and Grandma, God knew that implanting such a kind, loving creature on earth would be a blessing to many generations to come. She impacted the lives of all who knew her.
Maudessie M. Brumfield was born on October 4, 1923 to Victor and Mary Jane Matthews of Varnado, Louisiana.She departed this life on Friday, July, 14, 2017. Maudessie was the last of 11 siblings. She graduated from Wesley Ray High School and New Orleans Business School.
After moving to Bogalusa, Maudessie and John W. Brumfield were united in holy matrimony on November 17, 1945. She was a wife of noble character. Her beauty and personality made her, her husband's crown. "He that finds a good wife finds a good thing.” (Proverbs 18:22). She was a wise and resourceful woman. She established a loving home for her and her family. To this union six children were born: John Wesley Jr., Victor, Don, Leon, Greg, and finally a daughter, Ella Rose. There is no greater love than a mother's love for her children and her family. As her seeds produced and reproduced thus came 10 grandchildren, 12 great grands, and 2 great-great grands all who came to know and love "BIG MOMMA".
God's words were first place in our mother's life. The love of Maudessie's life, followed by the love of her family, was her love of God. What became important to Maudessie and an integral part of her life at a very early age was her devout Christian faith. Maudessie grew up in the Mount Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. B.B. Moses. Her parents always instilled in her the importance of faith, obedience to God, and Christianity. After moving to Bogalusa, she united with the New Triumph Baptist Church and served in numerous capacities under the leadership of Rev. F.C Shumake. She furthered the work of God when her family joined the Bethlehem Baptist Church where she sang in the senior choir, taught Sunday school, was a youth leader, and a deaconess. Her love and passion was serving as mission president and field missionary for the Third District Bogue Chitto Association. She was also a member and teacher of the Citywide Prayer Band.
Maudessie's life truly personified the quote" It takes a village to raise a child." She WAS instrumental in opening the Bogalusa Recreation Center on the North Avenue School campus, which provided enrichment activities for kids during the summer and in the community charter school. She also owned and operated one of the first Kindergarten Schools for children to learn their ABC's and 123's before entering regular school. She was a leader of the Bluebirds, Campfire, and Horizons. Maudessie also worked as a secretary at the Richmond Funeral Home and at North Avenue Elementary School.
In departing she leaves wonderful memories to be cherished by five children, John Wesley (Geraldine)Brumfield Jr. of Shreveport, Louisiana, Victor (Betty) Brumfield, Don (Erica) Brumfield, Greg (Eloise) Brumfield, and Ella Rose (Ezekil) Dupard III of Bogalusa, Louisiana; ten grandchildren, Tonya Ratliff, Yvette Mayham, John W. Brumfield III, Shadrick Brumfield, Brian Parker, Brandy Brumfield, Brittney Brumfield, Patrice Brumfield, Rashard Dupard, and Trenton Dupard; twelve grandchildren and two great-great grands; a special niece Doris Brown, and nephew Jimmy Mondy; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Mary Jane Matthews; her husband, John Wesley Brumfield Sr.; Son, Leon M. Brumfield; a special daughter-in-law, Dianne Brumfield; and her sisters and brothers, Ella Rose Walker, Melissa Moses, Caroline Mondy, Ruth Matthews, William Oliver Matthews, Arthur Matthews, Norman Dewitt Matthews, Marvin Matthews, Delos Matthews, Solomon Matthews, and James Earl Matthews.
The visitation will be 2:00PM - 5:00PM Friday, July 21, 2017 at Crain and Sons Funeral Home. A Family hour will follow 6:00PM - 8:00PM at Bethlehem Baptist Church.
The funeral will be 11:00AM Saturday, July 22, 2017 at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Pastor, Elder Christopher Matthews officiating. Interment will be held in Bogalusa Cemetery.