Evelyn Brown

June 25, 2016

Evelyn Brown, 90, passed away June 25, 2016 in Ridgecrest, CA. She was born August 20, 1925 to Otis Blakely and Willie Ella McCluster in St. Louis, MO. She met and married Curtis Brown Sr. in the 40's, and moved to Chicago, Illinois. They had 9 children that were raised in a God-fearing Christian home and are now all saved believers. In the early 50's Curtis and Evelyn moved to Toledo, OH and bought a beautiful home on Fernwood Avenue. Curtis Brown worked as a skilled trades machine repairman in Rossford, OH. For more than 70 years, Evelyn raised, disciplined and loved her children, the children of family members and her foster care children. In the early 80's, Evelyn brought boys and girls into her home and provided foster care, working for the Lucas County Children's Services.She was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church under Rev. L.H. Newsome Pastor. After retiring and leaving Toledo Evelyn moved to Saint Paul, MN and continued to help and nurture children. She began working in the Foster Grandparent Program and in daycare facilities.She was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis Brown Sr. in 1973; father, Otis Blakely; mother, Willie Ella McCluster; brother, Arlanda Blakely; and brother, William Blakely. She is survived by her sister, Lamona Jeff; children, Vernon (Barbara) Henderson, Kathryn (Paul) Anderson, Belinda (Scottie) Davis, Angela Graves, Curtis (Amelia) Brown Jr., Brenda (Ricky) Brewster, Joe, Mona, and Roderick (Jennifer); 26 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.Wake will be Friday at 11:00 a.m. followed by funeral services at 12:00 noon, Calvary Baptist Church. Rev. Floyd Smith Jr., officiant, interment Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. www.dalefh.com