757.628.1000

Emma Lee Brown


Sunrise: July 20, 1929

Sunset: March 26, 2020

Emma Lee Harrison Brown was born to Willie and Mittie Brown Harrison on July 20, 1929 in Halifax County, NC. She was one of nine children and was preceded in death by her husband, Rufus W. Brown, Jr; son, Rufus W. Brown III; parents, Willie and Mittie Harrison; four brothers, John, Alston, Wilmon and George Harrison and one sister, Eliza Spruill.
She was a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church, where she served on the Female Usher Board and as a member the Adult Missionary Circle.

Emma worked many, many years in domestic services and considered herself retired in 2013 at the tender age of eighty-four. She was a stellar seamstress and was best known for her sweet potato pies, homemade rolls and fried chicken, but her passion was her plants. Emma said her plants were her babies and nurtured them daily. She didn’t drive but could tell you which city bus to catch, the route and transfer point. She cherished her travels to Hawaii, Las Vegas, Disney World, Hollywood Walk of Fame, the White house visit during President Obama’s 2nd term, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and cruises to Bahamas, Jamaica and Cozumel.

On March 26, 2020, Emma gently entered eternal rest. She leaves to cherish her memory, four daughters, Diane Jones of Richmond Hill, GA, Verdar Ashford (Stanley) of Accokeek, MD, Gail Brown of Chesapeake, VA, Emma Washington (Shelby) of Petersburg, VA; five grandchildren, Clarence Brown, Verdonda May, Adrena May, Da’Sherra Washington,
Tayah Washington; two great grandchildren, Camonii Brown, Gavin Walker; one brother, Frank Harrison (Florence) of Hollister, NC; two sisters, Dahlia Williams of Newport News, VA and Alyce Nelson of Washington, DC; adopted sister, Annie Lee Hayes; special nephews, Wesley Lynch, Reginald Harrison, Glen Harrison; special nieces, Phyllis Blount, Pamela Spruill, Patricia Harrison and Carolyn Chesson, amongst a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She also leaves to mourn, some very special friends, Cathy and Len Rothmon, Christy and Tom Hubbard, Gwen Smith, and Edwina M. Agnese.

Viewing Thursday, April 2, 2020 4:00pm - 8:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 120 W. Berkley Avenue Norfolk, VA 23523 Service Friday, April 3, 2020 11:00am Mt. Zion Baptist Church 900 Middlesex Street Norfolk, VA 23523 Interment Roosevelt Memorial Park 1101 Campostella Road Chesapeake, VA 23320 The family is following the CDC and State of Virginia guidelines for funeral attendance.

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Condolences(10)

  1. reply
    CALVIN says

    To one of the nicest most respectable women, she always love me like a son.My condolence to all of the family and friends.May God comfort you all of you in your time of lost.I will always be here for you.God be with you in Jesus name.

  2. reply
    Deacon Carolyn Hayes, Emeritus says

    To the entire family and connecting family of our dearly beloved Mother Emma Lee Brown. This family set a wonderful example of God’s loving care for this woman of God. Her bright, beautiful smile was contagious and an indication of God’s Holy Spirit within.
    “To God Be the Glory”

    With our love and prayers,
    The Hayes Family of Chesapeake, VA

    • reply
      Deborah Brown says

      Family,
      My condolences. I’m praying that you will continue to trust and believe, GOD is always with you. He will never leave you alone. During your trials and tribulations may you find peace, joy and all that you need in our Lord and Savior Jesus. ????????

      Remember, I’m here for you.

      Rest in heavenly peace my dear Aunt Emma. You’re already missed. You will live on in our hearts forever. Thanks for the memories.

      I thank GOD for blessing us with a GOD fearing auntie.
      Heaven has received another angel.

      Love you always, (“Bird”).

      • reply
        Gloria McNair says

        I thank God for blessing me with a lovely aunt. She leaves me with many wonderful memories. She will be missed. My deepest sympathy to the family.
        Love
        Gloria and Sterling McNair

  3. reply
    Yvonne Huntley says

    Sending Sympathy and Love to my beautiful cousins. Our prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. Aunt Emma (Babysis) was so loving to everyone and she always shared that love with her beautiful Smile. Rest in Love. Raeford & Yvonne

  4. reply
    Kenny & Harriet Gattison says

    Deepest sympathies to my cousins, Aunt Babysis’ girls, and the rest of the family. She was loved by many and will be fondly remembered forever.
    Rest in Heaven Auntie

  5. reply
    Deborah Brown says

    Family,
    My condolences. I’m praying that you will continue to trust and believe, GOD is always with you. He will never leave you alone. During your trials and tribulations may you find peace, joy and all that you need in our Lord and Savior Jesus. ????????

    Remember, I’m here for you.

    Rest in heavenly peace my dear Aunt Emma. You’re already missed. You will live on in our hearts forever. Thanks for the memories.

    I thank GOD for blessing us with a GOD fearing auntie.
    Heaven has received another angel.

    Love you always, (“Bird”).

  6. reply
    Deborah Brown says

    Family,
    My condolences. I’m praying that you will continue to trust and believe, GOD is always with you. He will never leave you alone. During your trials and tribulations may you find peace, joy and all that you need in our Lord and Savior Jesus. ????????

    Remember, I’m here for you.

    Rest in heavenly peace my dear Aunt Emma. You’re already missed. You will live on in our hearts forever. Thanks for the memories.

    I thank GOD for blessing us with a GOD fearing auntie.
    Heaven has received another angel.

    Love you always, (“Bird”).

  7. reply
    Terry & Laurell Williams says

    My condolences to the Family. May prayers and Faith and knowing you’re Loved carry you through times like this and Lead you all to Peace.
    Aunt Babysis will always be in our hearts forever.

    She was an amazing woman with such a special talent “a gift to
    gab ” I loved the way she spoke, cooked, sew, and tell some amazing stories especially about her man”

    See, I smiled just as I started to write.

    To God be the Glory !!

  8. reply
    Kandace says

    Love you all! Sending my prayers of strength and comfort during this time. Peace and Blessings. Not only praying for you also with you now and here after.

    -Kandace Coe and family

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