Elsie Rae Brown

Born on September 6, 1935, in Martin County, North Carolina, Elsie Rae Brown, affectionately known as "Aunt Rae," was the cherished daughter of the late Rev. Jart Swimpson and Mrs. Choncie Gaynor Swimpson. At the tender age of four, her family relocated to Portsmouth, Virginia, where she was educated in the Portsmouth Public School System and graduated from I.C. Norcom High School. On September 6, 1959, Elsie married the love of her life, George Brown Jr. Of this union, four children were born: George A., Darryl M., Karen D. Kahan, and Rodney K. Brown. Together, Elsie and George built a life rooted in love, faith, and family. As a teenager, Elsie discovered her passion for gospel music. She and her sisters, under their father’s management, formed The Swimpson Gospel Singers. The group gained wide recognition throughout the Tidewater area and even recorded at a Richmond radio station. Later, as an adult, Elsie deepened her faith and joined New First Baptist Church of Taylorsville, where she was a devoted member for over 40 years. She sang in the choir and found great joy in praising the Lord under the leadership of the late Rev. Steele. Elsie was a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, and a pillar of strength for her family and community. She dedicated herself to many roles throughout her life, serving as a housekeeping supervisor at Old Dominion University, a team member at Zayer’s Department Store, a nutrition aide at a local nursing facility, and as a caretaker for children in her community for over 30 years. A gifted seamstress, Elsie’s talents extended to the kitchen, where her famous macaroni and cheese, chewy brownies, and sweet potato pies brought joy to countless gatherings. Elsie was a woman of profound wit, humor, and generosity. She was a second mother to many, always extending her love and wisdom to her children’s friends and others who needed guidance. Her stylish presence and nurturing spirit left a mark on all who knew her. She loved reading, journaling, singing, and watching BET, often filling her home with music and laughter. Preceded in death by her parents, Jart and Choncie Swimpson; her beloved husband, George Brown Jr.; her daughter, Belinda; her brothers, Robert, Willie, David Lee, Marvin (Arlene), and James Arthur Hudson (Dorothy Mae); her sisters, Easter Mae (Johnnie), Gloria, and Mary (Louis); her brothers-in-law, Joe and Willie; and her sisters-in-law, Betty and Georgianna. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted children: Karen (Connell), George A., Darryl M., and Rodney K.; her beloved grandchildren: Joseph, Diancia, Talisha, Brandi, Xavier, Connell, Kendrick, Taylor, and Wesley; and her precious great-grandchildren: Kaija, Trinity, Jazzari, and Jayla. She is also survived by her loving sister, Delores Fagan, her sister-in-law, Irene Gaynor, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. Elsie Rae Brown was a beacon of love, faith, and humor whose powerful spirit will forever inspire those who knew her. As we celebrate her remarkable life, let us carry her teachings, her laughter, and her steadfast Christian principles in our hearts.

Elsie Rae Brown

September 6, 1935 - December 4, 2024