Denise Estelle Brown

UTICA - Denise Estelle Brown, age 65, passed away unexpectedly on November 7, 2025. She was born in East Orange, New Jersey on June 19, 1960, to John Stafford Brown & Elizabeth ‘Betty’ (McRae) Brown, and later raised in Utica, New York. Denise attended UFA, formally known as Utica Free Academy, before majoring in Business Administration at the Rochester Institute of Technology. During her life, she is what some may refer to as a Jill-of-all-trades, holding job titles such as Sterile Technician at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, New York, to Dietary Services Aide at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Utica, New York, going on to work for the Utica City School District, APAC Customer Service Agent for T-Mobile, RGIS, and upon retirement, Zogby’s International as a Data Collections Agent. The youngest of two daughters, Denise was always known for her charm, fearlessness, her love for music, and her ability to always be the life of the party. From an early age, Denise has without exception been full of excitement, vigor, and adventure. Growing up she enjoyed endless walks and bike rides around Utica, going to parties, concerts, barbeques and countless events with friends and family. She enjoyed summer vacations with her eldest sister in New Jersey and South Carolina visiting distant relatives, spending time with her father at his auto shop growing up, and in her adult years spending time with her children. She really enjoyed making her children laugh and smile, spreading that same infectious energy onto her grandchildren in her later years. Denise was preceded in death by her father, John Stafford Brown in 1972, her beloved sister Cynthia McRae, who preceded her death in 2006, and her devoted mother Betty Brown, who preceded her death in 2013. She is survived by her eldest son James Matthews Sr., her middle son Jonikmous Rogers, and her youngest and only daughter Tatiana Rogers and Tatiana’s wife Ericka Sageer. She also leaves behind her sister Gretchen Wellington and niece Ashely Wellington, her lifelong friend Dierdre Guilford and her children, her precious grandchildren Annaira Howard, James Matthews Jr., Jo’Lanii Matthews, Jazzlyn Matthews, and many longtime friends and cherished loved ones. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. A final prayer will be offered at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Psalm 23:4 “Ye, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” This tribute to Denise’s life was lovingly written by her family.

Denise Estelle Brown

June 19, 1960 - November 7, 2025