Nellie Mae

Brown

Mrs. Nellie Mae Brown age 91 passed away Monday March 9, 2026 in Hospice of Northwest Ohio. She was born on November 20,1934 to the union of Henry and Francis Sewell in Carnesville Georgia. She attended Melvin Hills School. In 1951 Nellie married James Smith and relocated to Toledo Ohio in 1955, where they had 7 children. She worked at New Century formally known Toledo Tile, and after retirement she volunteered as a crossing guard for Toledo Public Schools. In 1987, Nellie married Jimmy Brown Sr. who was the love of her life until God called him home in 2016. Nellie was independent until the age 85, she then moved in with her granddaughter Commeka Griffin and her husband Stanley Griffin III, they were her caregivers until God called her home.

Her children says she enjoyed cooking, had the best macaroni and cheese in town, and was she known for making her famous white coconut cake, rainbow cake, and banana pudding. She enjoyed family time at cookouts, taking pictures and listening to Down Home Blues. She was a strong independent woman who raised her 7 children while working a full time job. Nellie yelled so loud you could hear her from over a block away yelling at the children for not cleaning the house. She loved to watch the Price is Right, Sanford and Son, the news and her soap operas on schedule every day, you knew to be quiet while they were on or you were in trouble. Her favorite snacks were BBQ skins, orange circus peanuts and Honey Buns.

She leaves to cherish her memory (5) children: Son: Bobby Smith, Daugthers: Bernice Donly (Carlton), Barbara Smith, Brenda Kinnebrew (Fulton), Theresa Woods. (17) Grandchildren: Commeka Griffin (Stanley), Carl Smith, Denice Smith, Momika Smith, Perry Smith(Joyce), Quentin March(Megan), LaKendra Woods, Taquila Green(Gregory), Jojuan Smith-Boose, Tammi Crawford (Arnold), Tonia Richardson, Tunisia Metzger (Christopher), Albert Richardson IV, Altonio Richardson, Alonza Richardson, Deshawn Harwell, Robert Harwell. (56) Great-Grandchildren: Tierra, Paul,

Brianna S, Carley, Carl Jr, De'Marcus, Da'Mon, Amari, Christopher, Tyanna, Airianna, Paris, Perry Jr., James, Domaja, Nicciah, Elijah, Ethan, Nate, Andra, Jaylah, Taeasia, Robert Jr., Devonne, Gregory, Joseph, Jace, Dajuan, Jojuan, Adrian, Antoin, Nichole, Arnisha, LaTisha, James Jr, LaTonya, Precious, Matthew, Savannah, Heavenly, Amir,

Ae'Syn, Alaycia, Jasmine, Altonio Jr, Qua'ron, Rayonna, Alonza Jr., A'drien, A'marra, Brandon, Brianna, Zamara, Zhyaniah, Ryan, Thomas, a host of Great-Great Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews, friends, and loved ones.

Nellie was preceded in death by her husband: Jimmy Brown Sr (38 years), Parents Henry & Francis Sewell, Siblings: Clarence Sewell, JohnThomas Sewell, and Sallie Mae Hayes, Daughters: Mae Richardson, Sandra Smith, Grandchildren: Shantae Smith, Mario Smith, LaVonda Harwell, LaToya Harwell, Greatgrandchildren: Naijaye Richardson