Obituary of Elmina Brydie

Elmina Merlin Brown Brydie was born to William Brown and Elmina Austin Brown on January 13, 1920. Elmina was the sixth child born to this family and the only girl. She was affectionately known as "Sister" to her brothers and other family members. Elmina was the last of her siblings to go to glory; James, Ernest, John, Theron and Herman welcomed her home. She accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Cartersville, Virginia. Elmina later moved her membership to Hollywood Baptist Church, in Powhatan County. There she remained a loyal member for many years. She decided to go back to her roots, and again committed herself to New Hope Baptist Church where she faithfully worked until her health began to fail. Elmina was educated at Turkeycock school in Cumberland County, Virginia. After school, she went North to find work; she worked as a housekeeper, and lived in New Jersey for about ten years. She attended Apex School of Cosmetology and received her Certificate of Cosmetology. For several years, she worked out of her home as a beautician while rearing her small children. In Elmina's life time, she had a love for learning; therefore, she did not have just one occupation, she was a cosmetologist, seamstress, health care worker, laundress, nanny, and cook. During the latter 60's and early 70's she worked as a private night nurse and she was employed by Capital Area for the Aging as a companion to the elderly. This was her gifting, caring for people. Elmina was joined in holy matrimony to Joseph Andrew Brydie on February 15, 1941. She was dedicated to her husband, children and her friends. In 1955, the family moved from Cumberland to Powhatan. Because Elmina was a caregiver, there were always extended family members in her household. As grandmother she has assisted with the rearing of several grandchildren. Her desire to keep family close together was important to her. During her life time, she was an active member and participated in several community and church organizations. She was a member of the Eastern Star for approximately 30 years, and a 4-H Club group leader for several years. She has been a choir member, a member of the missionary, and Deaconess Ministries of Hollywood Baptist Church. She was also a faithful member of the Home Community Aid Club. In December of 2011, the Lord called home Elmina's love, Joseph. She is now rejoicing with him in their new glorified bodies. Elmina leaves to cherish her loving memory five children: two sons,Joseph Brydie, Jr. (Shirley), and Charlie Brydie (Renee); three daughters, Elvera Tenette (Renaldo), Alice Bell (Darrick), and Shelly Gray (Carlton). From these unions there are ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren. She also leaves two sisters-in-law, Mabel Brown and Beatrice Brown and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends.