Thelma Brown

Thelma Brown, 86, of Detroit, MI passed away November 13, 2020.

Thelma Brown reigned supreme in the Brown family. As the proud matriarch and queen of 15027 Petoskey she played a pivotal role in raising children, creating a welcoming place to land for family and making sure all who came to visit felt her love through her cooking.

A daughter, mother, sister, wife and beloved grandmother Thelma lived a full life. She would often sing the famous Frank Sinatra song “I did it my way,” when reflecting with one of her daughters or other family members on life and of memories past.

Thelma was deeply committed to family and enjoyed planning and attending family gatherings all across the country. Rarely did she forget the name of a cousin, niece or nephew and was the keeper of important family milestones like weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. She didn’t forget important dates and was a whiz with numbers.

In addition to her sharp mind, she had a flair and eye for fashion. She loved to dress and always accentuated her outfits with a matching hat, purse or shoes.

Born in Troy, Alabama in 1934 she came from a large family consisting of five brothers and sisters, of which Thelma outlived them all.

Thelma enjoyed cooking, traveling and attending church at First Baptist Institutional Church where she was a member for more than 40 years.  After relocating from Troy, Alabama to Detroit, Michigan, Thelma was introduced to Robert Brown and the two were married.

Beyond cooking and traveling Thelma spent her free time in her garden growing various vegetables and planting flowers. She took great pride in having one of the most decorated homes on the block. She was also a volunteer at St. Mary’s Elementary School.

Thelma made her transition on November 13, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. Thelma joins her husband Robert Brown and second oldest daughter Tracey Brown as beloved angels of the Brown family. She is survived by her two daughters Criss Jackson (Robert Jackson) and Robin Howard (Troy B. Howard); grandchildren Gregory Shavers Jr., Ryan Duncan (Ayanna Duncan), Tracey Lynn Pearson (Gordon Pearson), Hailie Howard and Troy A. Howard; great-grandchildren Ce’Asia Duncan, Ryan “Baby Ry” Duncan, Aubrey Duncan, Austin Duncan and Zuri Pearson in addition to a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.