"A Legacy of Faith Giving" written by Founder and Executive Director Michelle J. Goff in honor of her grandparents, George and Barbara Brown
George Millard Brown, Jr., also known as “Granddaddy,” ascended to his heavenly home on October 20, 2025, only five days after his 92nd birthday. He left his heirs and family a legacy of faith, as did all my grandparents.
Granddaddy affectionately referred to his bride, Barbara Eaton Brown, as his “Angel.” We called her “Grandmommy.” During one of her final hospital stays in 2023, she was asked the secret to reaching age 90. She responded, “God. And Jesus.” A simple testimony of faith.
My maternal grandparents’ pioneering spirit led them with two other couples to plant a church in the slums of Kansas City, Missouri, in the 1960s.
They both taught over the years—by example and in formal ways. They hosted many in their home for meals and counseling. They were Sunday-school teachers and classroom teachers. My grandfather was recognized as distinguished professor on more than one occasion and honored with an endowed chair at Miami-Dade Community College.
They were students of the Word and prayer warriors. After authoring his book, Prayer Power, Granddaddy shared seminars on that topic, the proceeds of which went directly into Christian Homes for Children, which he and Grandmommy founded in 1979.
Yes, church planting, starting a nonprofit, writing a book, having all proceeds go into the ministry, conducting seminars across the country… If it sounds vaguely familiar from my own life in missions, full-time ministry, and through Iron Rose Sister Ministries, you now know a bit more about the example my grandparents provided, prioritizing Christian service. They have left a tremendous legacy of faith.
I’m grateful to have learned directly from Granddaddy as speech professor, Bible teacher, and actor. Some of his advice about giving a presentation, teaching a class, or preparing a lesson have stuck with me and shaped how I teach others to teach, providing feedback to our speakers using his rubric.
My library contains many of his books of quotations and jokes. He always loved a good joke.
He also strived to provide for his family. One example is when he generously sold me his work car for $1, an ’86 Chevy Nova, when I needed transportation for my senior year in college.
My grandparents were always among the first contributors to my mission trips, dating back to my early years of ministry.
Their generosity and legacy of faith are far reaching… to the children they blessed through Christian Homes, to their daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
And now, beyond their time here on earth, George and Barbara Brown, continued a legacy of giving through their estate.
Through the years, Iron Rose Sister Ministries has received:
- Tax-deductible annual contributions
- QCDs (Qualified Charitable Distributions) that fulfilled the RMD (Required Minimum Distributions) for an IRA
(Note: QCDs can be made for amounts exceeding RMD requirements in many cases.)
Finally, in their will, they left Iron Rose Sister Ministries a designated percentage of one asset from their estate.
I am deeply and eternally grateful for their gift and for the ways in which they established an example of giving, of Christian service, and of faith. They are helping multiply the Kingdom impact of their giving through the women we equip across the Americas.
I pray that a small snapshot of their story serves as an encouragement and inspiration. Please let us know how we can help you explore legacy giving options for Iron Rose Sister Ministries or other charitable organizations you want to bless.
Sincerely grateful,
M.
