Lucy Bell Brown

LUCY BELL BROWN, wife of the late James Brown, departed this life suddenly on August 19, 2005 at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Lucy was born on June 8, 1931 to the late Hero Ferrell and Gracie Nunn in Durham, North Carolina, where she attended school before moving to Baltimore, Maryland. In her early years, Lucy worked at House in the Pine Nursing Home, Bar Wilba's Nursing Home, the Holiday Inn, and at the polls during election time. Lucy volunteered at schools in the neighborhood and was often seen at Montebello Elementary School. In the past Lucy visited the Ray of Hope Baptist Church, where some of her children and grandchildren were baptized and served. She prayed at her altar in her home and kept a candle lit as she looked to God daily for help and strength and encouragement. She loved to dress fashionably and wear unique shoes. Her favorite pastime was to stay at home with her grandchildren. She had cookouts for her family and friends every Sunday of the year, and the food was cooked just how she knew they wanted it. Lucy loved to watch movies, take trips to Atlantic City and read. Her first love was to talk to her family about anything and everything. For they knew she was blessed with the gifts of understanding, intuition, and wisdom. Her words of advice and instruction were like no other mother, grandmother or friend could offer. However, if you felt like fighting and wanted to get it on, just mess with one of her grandchildren. Lucy Bell Brown's legacy is that of a super strong woman who always put the needs of her grandchildren first above all other needs in her life. Lucy was referred to as "Grandma" by young people who lived down the hill a.k.a. Rutland Avenue area. "Grandma" will be missed for a very long time. Lucy leaves to mourn: her children, Gracie (Sugar), Lena, James (Butch), Beverly, Donna, Laura, Ollie Jr., Jimmy (r.i.p.), and Brenda (r.i.p.); twenty-two grandchildren, five great grandchildren; brother, Eddie; son-in-law, Manuel Nedd; daughter-in-law, Dora (r.i.p.); a devoted and faithful friend, Ollie Lemon; and a host of other relatives and friends in Durham, North Carolina and Baltimore, Maryland. We all will carry you around in our hearts.

Tributes

Lucy Bell Brown

June 8, 1931 - August 19, 2005