Mrs. Lelia Mae "Aunt Mae" (Lewis) Brown

March 2, 1942 - February 6, 2021

UTICA - Mrs. Lelia Mae “Aunt Mae” (Lewis) Brown, age 78, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 6, 2021; it was at that moment that she went home to Heaven to be embraced by her Lord. Her crossing over occured in the comfort and dignity of her niece Letitia’s home in Jersey City, New Jersey. Born in Dublin, Georgia on March 2, 1942, Lelia was the daughter of the late James, Sr. and Borndell (Wright) Lewis. Raised and educated in Dublin, she was one of numerous siblings. Her mother came to Utica to care for her sister, and Lelia Mae followed. She subsequently resided in Florida for a number of years. In 1967, in Florida, she married Hosea Brown. There were many fun times, and Hosea always made Mae laugh! He passed away in November of 2017. Lelia Mae loved the land, and often picked beans and tomatoes while in Florida and while residing in Utica, she was employed by Abelove’s Laundry for 30 years. Mae was outgoing and generous if you were in need. However, she was a force to be reckoned with ~ don’t mess with “Aunt Mae”! If she had to go small, she would bust chops and jab at you. She carried herself well, with a sharp style of her own. She was a shopper, and donned with a cap on her head, she was dressed to a tee. She loved cook-outs, and to complement them, she always made collard greens, potato salad, and peanut butter & jelly cake. She enjoyed sitting in the backyard conversing with family and friends, drinking iced tea from mid-day to twilight time, listening to and singing along with soul music and rhythm & blues, …a good way to spend a nice day. With respect to her loved ones, she always wanted to be with them, and do her part! She also believed in the Lord. “Aunt Mae” was a good soul. Lelia Mae is survived by her siblings, Betty Lewis, Robert Lewis, and Lola “SisterGal” Chairman, and the memory of her siblings who preceded her, James Lewis Jr., Lillian “Loretta” Lewis, Mary Lee “Minnie” Chairman, and several siblings who passed away in infancy. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and her best SisterFriend, Wanda. Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects to Lelia Mae at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. on Thursday morning, February 18th from 10:00-11:00. Face masks are required and social distancing and contact tracing will be implemented. Funeral services and Interment in Forest Hill Cemetery will be held privately and at the convenience of the family. During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with Lelia’s family through the “Memories” section of her obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.