Lorene (Brooks) Brown

The matriarch of the family, Lorene Brooks Brown, passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2024. She lived a full life at 95 years old. Lorene was the 2nd of 5 children (Ernest Jr., Arthur, Ernestine and Laverne (Catherine)) to parents Ernest and Eva Brooks. Upon her parent's death, she was raised in foster care where she remained in contact with her siblings. She was raised in 3rd Ward where she later married Azriah Nickerson and bore 3 children: Cedric Sr. (Joyce), Frederick Sr. (Karen) and Linda (Stephen Sr.). She has 12 grandchildren (Lashanda, April, Tanjanike, Shawnterra, Nykeisha, Elizabeth, Stephen Jr., Justin, Cedric Jr. Fredrick Jr., Leah and Mario), 34 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren. She later married Henry Brown and moved to South Park/Sunnyside where she raised us all.

Her true passion was caring for children, both family and community. She attended Garden of Gethsemane Baptist Church for over 40 years, where she instilled Christianity and faith in the children she cared for. Not only was she a Sunday school teacher, but also served on the Usher board and other ministries. A prayer warrior indeed! She also volunteered for over 10 years at Mading Elementary as a cafeteria server, library helper and janitor. She was passionate about the education of youth.

Preceding her in death are her parents, sisters, brothers, daughter, son (Frederick Sr.), husbands and great grandson (Jamarcus Owens). She leaves behind a multitude of loved ones including her son (Cedric Sr.), grandchildren, great grandchildren, great, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.

She leaves with us a great legacy and the values and life lessons that have been instilled in us will be continuously portrayed while carrying your memories and reflections with us until we meet again.