Ella Mae Brown

Precious Memories

Ella Mae Brown

Those we love remain with us, for love itself lives on, and

cherished memories never fade because a loved one’s gone;

those we love can never be more than a thought apart;

for as long as there is memory, they’ll live on in the heart.

Ella Mae Brown was born on August 26, 1937,  in Martin County, North Carolina to her parents, Cannie Braswell and Louise Dickens Braswell.  She was the sixth child born in the family.  She was raised surrounded by her brothers, Joseph, Moses, Cannie, Jr., James, Benjamin, and her sisters, Lillie and Mary.  As a child, she enjoyed the time spent working with her parents in the fields.  Ella received her early education by attending Brawley High School in Scotland Neck, North Carolina. 

Ella began working at the Holiday Sands Motel as a member of the housekeeping staff.  It was while working at the motel, she met the love of her life, James Brown.  Ella also worked for families in the private sector, where she was loved and respected.

On October 27, 1961, Ella married, James Brown, Sr. She was the proud mother of two beautiful children, Debra and James, Jr.  She was a loving and devoted wife and mother, who took great pride in the care and nurture of her family.  Family was always important to her.  James preceded her in death on November 1, 2021.

A woman of faith and belief in the Lord, Ella was a member of Jones Baptist Church located in Palmyra, North Carolina until her relocation to Virginia Beach, Virginia.  She faithfully attended St. Mark A.M. E. with her beloved husband, James, until her illness.

Ella was a fun-loving woman, who enjoyed life and those she encircled.  In her free time, she enjoyed entertaining, shopping, and caring for her family.  Her closest friends include; Dorothy Blount, Carolyn Chesson, Betty Granby, and Patricia Speller.  They will miss the many comraderies they shared together.  They all will miss her infectious laugh and care for others.  She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and wonderful woman.  To know Ella was to love her. 

Ella Mae Brown departed this life on July 2, 2026, in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include her children Debra Brown and James Brown, Jr.; 1 brother Benjamin and his wife, Barbara Braswell; a  sister in law, LaVerna Braswell; a brother in law, Richard Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.