Obituary of Minnie Ross Brake

Minnie Ross Brake, age 89, of Duck, NC, formerly of Rocky Mount, NC, died September 1, 2004. She was born in Aurora, NC on August 25th, 1915 to Wilbur H. Ross and Emily Mae Redditt Ross. Her husband, William H. Brake, Sr. and her sister, Wilma Ross Garris, preceded her in death. From the time Minnie was a little girl, she wanted to be a school teacher. She graduated with degrees from East Carolina University and Atlantic Christian College. She especially loved teaching seventh grade math and taught 20 years with the Nash County School System. Minnie was very active in both the Nash and Edgecombe County communities. Some of her favorite activities included the Altrusia Club, Delta Kappa Gamma, West Edgecombe Home Demonstration Club, Bridge Club, Meals on Wheels and the Rocky Mount Fair. In addition she was a charter and active member of Christ Episcopal Church serving as its first female lay reader. Minnie’s special energy, spirit and wit added joy to all who knew her, a life well lived leaving memories that will linger on. Son William Howard Brake, Jr. and wife Jeannie of Duck, NC; daughter Katherine Brake Pittman and husband Mike of Cary, NC, survive her. Grandchildren include Dr. Elizabeth Ellen Brake of Calgary, Canada; Matthew Robert William Brake of Pittsburgh, PA; Robert Michael Pittman, Jr. of Cary; Emily Brake Pittman Burt of Apex, NC; Abigail Payton Burt, her first great-grandchild was born August 14, 2004 and helped celebrate Minnie’s 89th birthday on August 25th. A graveside service will be held Saturday, September 4, 2004 at 11:00 AM at the Brake Family Cemetery on Cokey Road Ext., in the West Edgecombe Community. The officiating clergy will be the Rev’d Charles E.B. Gill, Rector of St. Andrews By-the-Sea, Nags Head, NC. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather at the home of Joe and Joanne Brake, 2742 Cokey Road Ext., Rocky Mount, NC. Twiford’s Colony Chapel, Manteo, is assisting the family with these arrangements.