Laura Etta Brown

Laura E. Brown was born on October 17, 1948, to the late Rev. Daniel J. and Lydia Shirley Phinnessee in Bolivar, Tennessee, and was the youngest of 12 children. She confessed Christ at an early age and moved to Cleveland, Ohio at the age of 12, after her father was called to serve as pastor of New Galilee Baptist Church.

Laura graduated from John Adams High School in 1966. She helped to organize Second New Galilee Baptist Church and helped to name the church in April 1977. Laura remained an active member until her death.

Laura joined in holy matrimony to Deacon Johnny Brown Sr. on November 22, 1975, and to this union, two children were born, ShaKele Lydia Brown and John (Danny) Brown Jr.

Laura was a member of Queen Elizabeth (OES) PHA affiliate for 42 years. She earned an associate degree at Tri-C Community College and became a certified respiratory therapist. She worked at Metro Hospital and then transferred to Booth Memorial Hospital where she was promoted to supervisor. She then worked at Grace Hospital where she received the honor of respiratory therapist of the month on several occasions before retiring in 2017.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers (Lavern Phinnessee, Rev. Samuel Phinnessee, Deacon Robert Phinnessee, Deacon James Phinnessee, Rev. Wardell Phinnesee, and Rev. Wendell Phinnessee); and two sisters, Mattie Davis and Alice Shutes.

She leaves behind to mourn her devoted husband of almost 45 years, Deacon Johnny Brown, Sr.; two children, ShaKele Lydia, and John (Danny); stepson, Trevis (Royale); three grandchildren, Janelle, Trevari, and Jonathan; two sisters, Ruby Taylor, and Emma Virden; one brother, Lester Phinnessee; six sisters-in-law, Annie Phinnessee, Edna (Henry) West, Denise (Charles) Clay, Deborah (Hawthorne) Welcher, Diane Hawkins and Denise (Terry) Stephens; three brothers-in-law, Lincoln Perkins, Emmett Perkins, and Dennis Perkins. Many nieces and nephews and close friends, Beverly Peeples, Sylvia Alexander, Cheryl Miller, and Cora Cancino.