Mrs. Donella Brown

Mrs. Donella Hawkins Brown, age 85 years received her wings on January 4, 2023 just four days after her beloved husband, Johnnie Lee Brown passed. She was born April 6, 1937 in Cherokee, Alabama to the late James Hawkins and the late Louvenia Martin Hawkins. Mrs. Donella Brown graduated from Sterling High School in Sheffield, Alabama. She became a licensed cosmetologist and later gained employment at a General Motors Parts Plant. Mrs. Donella Brown was a longtime member of the Truevine Missionary Baptist Church serving as a greeter on Sundays and the “Abigail Circle” among other servant roles. While Mrs. Brown’s health prevented her from physically serving in her later years, she continued to be extremely sharp in her mind and kept up with the activities/networks from a distance. She was meticulous about her home which was a source of pride. She was “no nonsense” but had infectious laughter, frequently laughing at herself. Mrs. Donella Brown will truly be missed by a host of nieces, nephews and longtime friends. Special mention to niece, Patricia Meade of Detroit, MI and longtime friends including Shirley Pounds of Detroit, MI, T’Ella Shannon of Atlanta Thompson, Addie Harper; her daughters, Evelyn and Josie Couch and a sister-in-law, Delta Hawkins, all of Saginaw, MI. Mrs. Brown was also preceded in death by seven brothers, Esterlean “Red” Hawkins, James “Buck” Hawkins, William Hawkins, Robert “Harry” Hawkins, Johnnie C. Hawkins, Rufus “Charlie” Hawkins and an infant brother, R.C.; four sisters, Lula Rice, Sara Williams, Annie Dozier and Dorothy McKee. Mrs. Donella Brown’s family would like to thank the staff of Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital 5 South Nurse’s station, Compassus Hospice Care and countless others who played a supportive role in comforting her during this difficult time. We would also like to thank the many MMR attendants that showed extreme kindness as well! Family hour 10:00 AM Monday, January 16, 2023, at Truevine Baptist Missionary Church, 2930 Janes St., Saginaw, MI. with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM, Pastor Paul E. Broaddus officiating. Interment will take place in Great Lakes National Cemetery, G-4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI 48442.

Mrs. Donella Brown

April 6, 1937 - January 4, 2023