Anna Queen Brown

Anna Queen Brown (née Shields) breathed her final blessing upon this world surrounded by family on June 28, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of flavor, laughter, and deep love. Named for her grandmother, Anna Queen Spicer (nee Barnett), Anna’s remarkable story began at 62 Northwest I Street in Richmond, Indiana, where she was born August 26,1940 in the home of her loving parents, Harvey and Katie. On Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1957, she married the love of her life, Benjamin Brown, in Toledo, OH, beginning a beautiful journey of shared partnership, family devotion, and lifelong love. Born with a natural passion for bringing people together, Anna turned her love for food into a distinguished, historic career. She dedicated 32 years of exemplary service to the Toledo Board of Education, retiring in 2001. A true trailblazer, she was promoted in 1995 to the position of Director of Child Nutrition Food Service for Toledo Public Schools. With this milestone, she proudly made history as the very first Black woman food service director in the State of Ohio. For Anna, the culinary arts were not just a profession, but a lifelong romance. Anna also took time to serve as the President of the Ohio Schools Food Service Association (OSFSA)for a year in 1989. She found endless joy in every aspect of the kitchen—from the careful planning of a menu and the creative act of cooking, to tasting new dishes and evaluating complex flavors. Through her visionary leadership, she broke barriers and nourished generations of local children. Beyond the kitchen, Anna was a woman of vibrant curiosity and intellect. She was an avid reader, an enthusiastic traveler who loved exploring the world, and took great pride in collecting cultural artifacts that told stories of the places she visited. She also loved getting together with family and friends for high energy, no-holds barred, spades and bid whist card nights and other games. Above all, Anna possessed a keen sense of humor. She was happiest when socializing, sharing deep laughs, and lighting up the room with her quick wit and warm presence. Anna was a longtime member of the New Light Missionary Baptist Church in Toledo, Ohio and her greatest joy was her family. She is reunited in peace with her beloved parents, Harvey and Katie, and her dear brother, Howard Shields. Her bright spirit will live on through her devoted husband, Benjamin; her beloved sons, Benjamin Jr. and Laurance; and her cherished daughters, Phyllis and Carmela. She also leaves behind her granddaughters, Hollie Springs (Elmer), and Monee Johnson, who brought immense happiness to her life, along with a host of extended family, friends, and former colleagues who will forever carry her light forward. The Brown Family acknowledges, Dr David Macari, Oncology Dept at Promedica-Flower Hospital, Dr David Fumo, Urology Dept, Promedica-Toledo Hospital. Special thanks to Bishop Brehon L. Hall, Rev. Dr. Gerald O. Fletcher Sr., Pastor and New Light Missionary Baptist Church. The Brown family also acknowledges with agape love, Frances Willis, Judy Spicer, Verna Dean Chatman, Juanita Brown, Marie Brown and Heather Shields

Anna Queen Brown

August 26, 1940 - June 28, 2026