Minnie Lou Brown was born on December 5, 1933, in Alcolou, South Carolina. She was the second child of twelve children, born of Robert and Amanda Manning. After a lengthy illness, on December 29th 2020, Minnie Lou went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She received her education and graduated from Manning Training School located in Clarendon County, South Carolina. In her youth, she accepted Christ and joined the Greenhill Baptist Church located in Alcolou, South Carolina.

Minnie Lou, as she was so affectionately called, moved to Baltimore in 1957. Upon arriving in Baltimore, she found employment at The Tea Room by Hochschild Kohn Department store until 1965. She was one of the first African American hostess to be employed at this location. Afterwards, she found employment at the Maryland State Department of Human Resources until her retirement. She received a plaque for her 30+ years of faithful service.

As Minnie settled into her move to Baltimore, she made sure to continue her growth in Christ. She was a member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church and then later became a member of the Leadenhall Baptist Church until the present time. There she served on the Courtesy Guild, Usher Board, the Angels of Mercy Nurses, and the Sisterhood Ministry. She received many citations for her contributions to the church.

Minnie enjoyed numerous activities in her free time. She loved bowling, playing bingo and spending time with her nieces and nephews. She especially loved making her "special curry chicken" for family and guest! Minnie Lou was emphatically known as the "protector" of the family.

She leaves to cherish her memories, 1 son, Wayne A. Cooks "Nonda", 1 daughter, Jackelyn Brown "Steven"; 4 Siblings, Lee Ernest Manning "Francis", Mozetta Isaac "Jefferson", Lawrence Manning, George Earl Manning "Dottie"; 5 Grandchildren, Tiearra Wilson, Celeste Cooks, Rosean Johnson, Carson Cooks, Catrina Cooks; 1 Great Grandchild, Kyle Wilson and a host of beloved relatives and friends.