Mrs. Zelma Brown

UTICA – Mrs. Zelma Brown, age 83, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 5, 2023, with her loving family by her side. Zelma was born to the late Lula Mae Phillips and Evans (Sugarfoot) Hervey October 27, 1939, in Yalobusha County, Water Valley, MS where she spent her childhood. After graduating from high school, she relocated to the Utica area in her early 20s where she resided until her passing. On April 26, 1962, she wed the love of her life, Ransom James Brown, the two were blessed with one child, Michael James Brown. Zelma and Ransom shared a loving and blessed union until his passing in 2003. Zelma worked at St. Elizabeth Medical Center as a seamstress until she retired due to health issues. While working at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Zelma used her seamstress skills as domestic help to various local families. Zelma had a big and loving heart. Her family was everything to her. She could be very strict and firm, but always fair. She was an exceptional mother, who would do anything for her son Michael. She also had a warm place in her heart for animals, especially her beloved dogs. Zelma also frequently showed her skills in the kitchen, particularly with soul food. Her sweet potato pie was nothing short of perfect. Ever one to enjoy the outdoors, she loved to fish and could frequently be found dancing to a good beat. Zelma is survived by her son, Michael James Brown and his wife Addie McVay-Brown of New York, New York; her grandchildren, Jasmine, and Joshua; her siblings, Bessie Mae Gooch, and Walter Lee Hervey, Sr. of Utica; her bonus siblings, Eddie (Ruth) Sanders of Southfield, MI, Leonard (PeeWee) (Johnella) Sanders of Detroit, MI, and Eva Sanders-Cook of Water Valley, MS. She also leaves her special niece and caretaker, Liberta Hammett and her husband Clinton John Hammett, Sr.; and a host of additional nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends. Zelma was preceded in death by her husband, Ransom Brown; brother, Clement Hervey; sister-in-law, Delores Hervey; nephew, Walter Lee Hervey, Jr; niece, Bessie Lee Gooch; bonus sister, Essie Johnson; and her loving canine companion, Coco. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the staff at the Pines at Utica Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation for their care and compassion. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Zelma’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will take place immediately following at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Those unable to attend may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87435653800. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Zelma Brown

October 27, 1939 - February 5, 2023