Gerri Ann Brown

Gerri Ann Brown, 67, of Columbus, Ohio, departed this life on June 6, 2023, after complications from a heart-related surgery. She was surrounded by her family.

Gerri Ann Brown was born on July 6, 1955, in Toledo, Ohio to Dorothy Riven and Jesse Riven Sr. Musical worship was a part of Gerri’s DNA. Her parents were accomplished vocalists; she regularly performed with her siblings while growing up and continued the tradition as she shared music with her daughters and grandchildren. Gerri’s musical talent was truly remarkable; she had a voice that could move mountains and touch hearts. She got an early start at Jesup W. Scott High School where she won numerous awards, including the prestigious Arion Award for vocal excellence. Throughout her 35-plus-year career, she excelled as a soloist, worship leader, choir director, and member of the gospel group, Chosen.

As an accomplished, professional vocalist, Gerri has ministered and recorded with notable artists such as The Winans, Vickie Winans, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and Pastor Rance Allen. Gerri also produced three projects: “Simply Gerri”, “Joy”, and “Children Love Him, Too,” which was accompanied by 4 of her grandchildren Gerri made her first movie debut in 2015 with “Church Gossip” where she sang two of her original songs. In 2020, Gerri began to share her love for baking through “Gerri’s Delightful Goodies”.

Gerri met the love of her life, Kevin Brown, in 1982 at Pinewood Tabernacle Church in Toledo, Ohio. The two married in 1988 and share 3 wonderful daughters. Gerri was an ordained pastor and served alongside her husband, Pastor Kevin Brown, in starting Thrustforth International Ministries in Columbus, OH. Together they had a passion for supporting young couples and dedicated time to their marriage counseling ministry.

Gerri was preceded in death by her father, Jesse Riven Sr., and her brothers, Jonathan Riven and James Riven. She is survived by her husband, Kevin Brown; her siblings JaDora Jewell (Michael Jewell Sr.), Jesse Riven II, and Jamarr Riven (Shannon Riven); her daughters Danielle Edwards, Torri Baker (Joshua Baker), and Tana Glover; as well as her mother, Dorothy Jean Riven. Gerri was also a proud grandmother to Jordan Woods, Nautika Glover, Thomas Glover II, Jaiden Edwards, Tori Glover, Javon Tucker, Jaida Tucker, Tyann Glover, Gavin Baker, and Graham Baker. She had three godchildren, Adrina McDonald, Jesse Coleman II, and Joirdin Quinn, whom she cherished dearly. She will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends.

Services will be held at Unity Christian Fellowship Church on Friday, June 16, 2023, at 10:30 AM. Flower donations can be sent to Marlan J. Gary Funeral Home at 2500 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43211. Memorial Fund donations can be mailed to 1639 Granville St, Columbus, Ohio 43203 (℅ Terrence Brooks – family friend), or electronically via the Gerri Brown Memorial Fund.