Ethel Elizabeth Brown

Ethel Elizabeth Brown, a beloved mother, grandmother, beautician, business owner, storyteller and friend was born in Clinton, South Carolina to Ellen Kinard, on May 5, 1938. Under the love and friendship of her beloved aunts, Ms. Liz (also affectionately known as “Cle”) grew up in the historical community of Second Ward, located in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina. Ms. Liz graduated valedictorian from West Charlotte High School and attended Carver College for Design. After completing her education, she worked at Eckerd’s as a pharmaceutical assistant. Ms. Liz also worked for a wallpaper company where her penchant to stand up for what she believed in inspired her to successfully sue the company for racial discrimination. Ms. Liz obtained her beautician’s license from Dudley beauty college and used her talents to open her own beauty salon which was a staple in the Uptown community for over 20 years. Ms. Liz was married to Robert F. Brown for over forty years. During their union, they had two amazing kids, Vincent “Blimp” Brown, and Robbin “Kay Kay” Fuller. Family was a passion for Ms. Liz, as she would often take her children over to their relatives’ homes and encouraged building lasting connections that transcend any adversities. She was a fierce defender of those she loved, and she was someone to have in your corner, whether one was right or wrong. Ms. Liz moved on from the beauty shop to pursue other passions while continuing to be a cornerstone in the uptown and Rockwell Park community, often designing flower arrangements and offering her décor talents to her neighbors and friends. Ms. Liz was a member of a few churches in the Charlotte area including Saint Luke Missionary Baptist Church, Grier Heights Presbyterian Church, and Mount Moriah Primitive Baptist Church where she was involved in Sunday school and served as head usher (Grier Heights) and Senior Citizen Coordinator (Mount Moriah). She did most of her ministry and fellowship outside of church by harvesting fresh flowers from local gardens to lift the spirits of the sick, delivering food to people in need, and she made it her mission to do whatever she could to help the senior citizen community. During the last ten years, Ms. Liz and her daughter Robbin were two peas in a pod living together in their beautiful home in Concord, NC. During this wonderful time of adventure and exploration, Ms. Liz cultivated a love for cooking and traveling. Ms. Liz also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, whether that included playing with Amir around the house or sharing her wisdom over long phone calls to Sabrina in California. Ms. Liz and Robbin also went to many places together, often visiting the beach or family and friends. When the two were not travelling Ms. Liz loved to decorate their home to entertain and connect with people, because while she loved the Golden State Warriors, talking to people was Ms. Liz’s sport. Ms. Liz lives on through the lineage of her husband, Robert F Brown, and her two children: Vincent Brown & Robbin Fuller (Rob). She cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Sabrina Brown, Cecelia Fleming (Connor), Latasha Pearson (Terrance) + Brayden Pearson, Jasmine Fuller + Amir Fisher & Jene Lawson, Derek Brown (Ashley) + Brielle. Special to her heart were a host of other relatives and beloved friends.

Ethel Elizabeth Brown

May 5, 1938 - March 13, 2023