Life Remember
Elise Mae Johnson Brown
1930 - 1997
"Some mothers write lullabies. Ours painted them in color, sang them in jazz, and wrapped them in laughter.
Today we gather in memory of a woman whose love was as bold as her laughter and as enduring as her art. Mrs. Elise Mae Johnson Brown was not just a mother of six children; she was the heartbeat of her home, a woman who could draw beauty from a blank page and joy from the simplest moments.
She loved Sarah Vaughan's music, often singing alone until the melody gave way to her signature laugh. She would fill the room with her voice, halt abruptly, and ignite everyone else with a burst of laughter.
She was a mother who ran, not walked, when her children needed her. An example of this love is the day her son Prince fell from a bread truck. Though unconscious, he remembers hearing her voice calling his name and feeling her arms lift him from the street and carry him home. That's the kind of love that never fades.
She was a woman of surprises, like the time she burst into her son's room, changed the radio to a Spanish station, and left without a word. A moment of mischief, a spark of her playful spirit.
She was a mother who gave birth at home, with her mother shouting from the hallway, "Goa, come out of that bathroom, or you are going to give birth to that baby in the toilet!" Thirty minutes later, baby Martha arrived, safe and loved, already part of a story that would captivate future generations.
She was a protector. When the kitchen caught fire and smoke filled the house, she counted her children and realized one was missing. "Where is Martha?" She cried. Held back by others, we watched as she ran into the burning house and emerged with her baby. Her love was louder than fear.
Finally, Mrs. Elise Mae Johnson Brown was a wife, a mother, an artist, a singer, a storyteller, and a warrior for her children. Her legacy lives on in every memory, every laugh, every drawing, and every song.
We remember her not just for the life she lived but for the love she gave.


Memorial
Memorial Speech for My Mother, Elise
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, we gather to celebrate the life of a remarkable woman—my mother, Elise. She was not just a mother; she was a force of love, laughter, and resilience. As we remember her, I want to share some moments that truly capture her spirit.
Elise was the proud mother of six children, and while she may not have had the ability to care for us in the traditional sense, the love she gave us was immeasurable. By allowing our beloved grandparents, Nora and Grandpa, to raise us, she gave us the gift of opportunity and the chance to thrive.
Her laughter was infectious. Every day, she would ask me if I had heard of Sarah Vaughan, with a sparkle in her eye and laughter that could light up any room. Music was a significant part of her life, and she would often be found rocking back and forth, singing her favorite songs, lost in the melodies that brought her joy.
Perhaps one of the most vivid memories I have is of her sitting with her Bible, reading aloud for hours. She found solace and strength in those pages, sharing her faith with us and instilling in us values that would carry us through life.
Elise had her quirks too. She loved her cigarettes, and on occasion, she'd leave the house in search of one, reminding us that she was as free-spirited as she was loving. And oh, how she loved to seek a bite to eat or a drink, always asking our grandmother, Nora, for something to savor.
But the most profound thing about my mother was her pure heart. She had a tenderness that surrounded her like a warm embrace. She was a kind woman, and I miss her dearly—not just for what she did, but for who she was.
I want to take a moment to thank her—for opening the door to life for all of us. She was responsible for every moment of laughter, every song sung, and every story shared. Mom, you left a lasting mark on our hearts. Though you're gone, your spirit lives on in us.
Thank you, everyone, for honoring my mother, Elise. I am proud to call her my mother, and I will carry her love with me for the rest of my life.
Love,
Son, Prince
In Loving Memory of Mother
Elise Mae Johnson Brown
1930 - 1997

In every heartbeat, your love still flows.
Your love is a guiding light in all my woes.
Though words may falter, my heart will say,
You shaped my life in every way.
Your laughter echoes, a sweet, gentle song.
Your laughter resonates in cherished memories, where you continue to hold a special place in my heart.
Your spirit soars, forever near,
In every whisper, I feel you here.
Author Unknown
Create Your Own Website With Webador