Minerva Lee Brown Mitchner was born on Thursday, October 23, 1947 in Aurora, North Carolina to Redmond and Mary Lucinda (Moore) Brown.

For most of her life, Minerva resided in Riverhead, New York. She was educated in the Beaufort County North Carolina School District. While in New York, Miverva met John Arthur Mitchner, and they were later united in marriage. The couple established a trucking company that was named M & M Produce in honor of Minerva. In 1997, the family moved to Crescent City. For almost 20 years, Minerva was employed in the housekeeping and dietary departments of Pavilion at Crescent City.

Minerva was affiliated with New Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church and Friendship Baptist Church Crescent City, respectively.

In addition to her parents, Minerva was preceded in eternal rest by her daughters, Joyce Richards, Barbara Brown, Mary Price; son, Jessie Brown; grandsons, Preston Gamble I and Preston Gamble, II; sister, Shirley Brown and brother Charlie Brown.

Minerva entered the sunset of life on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at AdventHealth Deland.

Cherished memories of Minerva will remain with her three sons William “O. D.” Sanders, Charlie Gamble and John Gamble. Twenty two grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; 3 sisters, Emma Jennings, Marie Thomas and Rachel Brown; son in law, Frank Richards; step children, John Caldwell, Sharon Norris, Lonnie Ray, Angel Brown, John Miles, Shatina Hicks, Vivian Sumpter, Kerisha Sumpter and Joyce Sumpter; sister in law, Doris Mitchner; brothers in law, Dr. John “Johnny” Mitchner, and Albert Mitchner; a special friend, Jesse Oxendine, Sr., and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, god children, friends and co-workers with Pavilion at Lake Crescent.

A private memorial in honor of Minerva's life and legacy will be conducted by her family.