Ella May Brown

Ella May Brown, age 82 of Spokane, WA passed away on November 8, 2021. Ella was born in Mead, WA on August 14, 1939 and graduated from Mead High School in 1957.  She married Lawrence Brown and together they raised three children and enjoyed 27 year of marriage together.  Ella was a Production Associate in food processing for Arden Farms, Darigold and The Commercial Creamery.  She was a member of the Eagle’s Auxiliary, Wives of VFW and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Walla Walla, WA.  She had a passion for young women’s athletics, animals and the under privileged. 

Ella Brown was a selfless servant of God, who dedicated much of her life serving in roles such as Mom, Grandma, Friend, Coach, Mentor, Organizer and Surrogate Mother.  Her relationship with her kids, grandkids and great grandkids was very special. Ella's life revolved around kindness to others, and she practiced this at every opportunity. Ella was known to open her home to anybody who needed one, including family, disadvantaged kids from the neighborhood, and a senior citizen suffering from dementia. Ella’s kind and giving heart was reflected in her love of all types of people, and her deep love for animals. Ella’s “family” extended beyond Spokane to Walla Walla, where she spent the most of the past 20 years living with her dear friend Sallie. The friendships Ella was able to make in Walla Walla are just one of many examples of her outreaching, caring and loving personality. She will be greatly missed and we are blessed to have had her in our lives.

Ella was preceded in death by both her father, Jason Cook and by her mothers, Vernice Whitford Cook and Genevieve Cook; by her sister, Kathleen Wiener and by her ex-husband, Lawrence Brown.  She is survived by her children, William Brown (Debbie), Steve Brown (Michele) and Carrie Humphrey (Tony).  She also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, extended family members and friends. 

A visitation will be held at Hennessey Funeral Home in Spokane, WA from 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday, November 16, 2021.  Her funeral service will take place at Hennessey’s on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 10:30am with her interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Spokane.  A Celebration and Gathering will be held at Jack and Dan’s in Spokane from 2pm to 5pm following services.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for a simple, random act of kindness done in Ella May's name.  If you do wish to make a donation, please do so in Ella’s name to:  www.bluemountainhumane.org.  

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