Geraldine Brown

GERALDINE KATHERINE KELLY BROWN who was affectionately known as “Gerry,” was born on July 26, 1933 in Howard County, Maryland to Hester Lea Isabelle Kelly Vaughan. She departed this life on Monday, November 1, 2021 after lengthy illness. Geraldine attended Harriet Tubman High School in Simpsonville, Maryland where she was the editor of the school paper and leader of the debate team. In her early age, she was a member of Hopkins United Methodist Church in Highland, Maryland. She left home at an early age to pursue her career inspirations. She lived in Evanston, Illinois since 1956. She worked for JC Penney, and later worked for a Bayer Pharmaceutical Company from which she retired after 34 years of service. On July 26, 1988 she married the love of her life, Willie Foster Brown, Sr. He preceded her death, he passed on to glory on September 1, 2021. They lived a wonderful loving life together. She joined Bethel AME Church in Evanston in 2002, where she was a member of the Senior Choir. Gerry liked to read and volunteered whenever anyone asked. She liked to help people and being kind to others. She was preceded in death by her sister, Celia Kelly. Gerry leaves to mourn and cherish her memory: her sister, Sarah Baker; four stepchildren, Virgina “Gent”, Willie, Jr. (Equchita), and Chris “Chrissy”, and Josephine “Jody”; two nephews, Eugene Kelly (Mary), Frank Kelly, Sr. (Ratina); eight nieces, Gail Williams, Catherine Lewis, Marla Jennings (Van), Jacqueline Carthan (John), Rhonda Eldridge, Stephanie Nichols, Charlene Kelly, Doreen Robinson (Sylvester); oldest and special granddaughter, who was delight of her life, Commander Sheree’ Williams, USN and her children; special great-nephew, Rodney Arnold (Rochelle).; special cousin, Nina Mae; her goddaughter “Kathy”; along with a host of nieces, nephews, greats, cousins, and friends. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to: Bethel AME Church 1744 Darrow Avenue Evanston, IL 60201 Payable to Bethel AME Church- Memo: Sister Geraldine Brown Online Giving: www.bethelevanstonamec.org Givelify button can be found on website

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Geraldine Brown

July 26, 1933 - November 1, 2021