Burnell D. Brown, affectionately known as "Burn" or "Big B", was born on August 4, 1944, the sixth of nine children to the late Duval and Queen Reid. Burnell earned her heavenly reward from earth to glory on Friday, January 10, 2025 at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center following a brief illness.

Burnell attended the Forsyth County Public School System, identifying as a "Camel" of Atkins High School; and completed training at The LaMae School of Cosmetology.

Burnell was a faithful employee to several companies; Little Red School House, Salvation Army, Ma'Chris Restaurant, Industries for the Blind and Mount Zion Baptist Church.

Burnell was a devoted Christian, who was baptized at an early age at Mount Zion. Her encouragement to family and friends was to "Always put God first, be the best you can be; don't try to please everyone, to just be yourself; and you cannot make people see your side all the time".

Burnell, glorified for her cooking, was known for always having a plate at her table for everyone. Often opening her home to family, friends and others – she graciously welcomed communities of people in while making her residence known as: "Hotel, Motel, Holiday-Inn". She loved with all her heart, was exceptionally organized, and vitally attentive to details, such as keeping a regular log of birthdates, weddings, even likes and dislikes. She certainly made sure to find a way to make each person feel special. Burnell enjoyed dancing, was a "Motown" fan, and loved to listen to all the 'Old-Time' Greats! She enjoyed movies and would watch them repeatedly. Burnell's life was centered around her children, family and friends. Her vibrant spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Burnell was preceded in death by her husband Willie "Fat Baby" Brown; brothers, Clayton, Nalenzer and Rufus Reid; step-daughter, Leona Cook; grandson Alexander "Jr" Reid; brother-in-law, James Richardson; and sister-in-law, Pamela Reid.

Burnell's memories will be cherished by her sons and daughters, Alexander (Anita) Reid, Christopher Reid, Anthony Reid, Queen (Larry) Nelson, Katherine (Richard) Weber, Angela (Gustavas) Searcy, Daniel Eugene Brown, Johnny Ray Gattison, Wilma Perry, Lakeychia Jordan, Rashunda Downey, and Maurice Smith; her siblings, Rosa Richardson, Margaret Reid, Daisy (Julius) Walker, Napoleon Reid, and Carolyn (Michael) Richardson; a loving aunt, Carolyn Burrell; a sister-in-law, Naomi Reid; twenty-two grandchildren; thirty-seven great-grandchildren; and one great-greatgrandchild.

Special acknowledgement is given to Aaliyah Brown, Nazir Frazier, Royalty Stone, Dream Dean, Priscilla "Pat" Reid, Nikki Bennett, Jerry Moore, Deborah Pilson, and Olivia Walker.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30pm Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 12:30pm until 1:30pm on Wednesday at the Church.