Wanda M. Brown

Wanda M. Brown, 83 of Columbus, Ohio passed away Thursday, October 5, 2023, after a long battle with an anoxic brain injury.

Wanda Margaret Brown was born on November 24, 1939, to the late Juanita and Rodger Brown, in Columbus, Ohio. In her early years Wanda was educated at Douglas elementary school, Franklin Junior High School, and was a proud graduate of East High School, all within the Columbus Public School district. Wanda loved to roller skate and sew. Growing up in the Poindexter Village area she met the love of her life James Brown in her mid-teens which then led to her marriage of more than 60 years.

Wanda and James had three children and she was a dedicated mother and home maker through her children’s early years, focusing on gardening, sewing, volunteering at her children’s schools and continuously serving in her church. Once her children became of school age, Wanda returned to the workforce, starting a job at Nationwide Insurance Company where she became a supervisor and manager for over 30 years, retiring in 2010. After which she supported her community and volunteered her time at the Ronald McDonald House. She also served as an Avon representative for several years. Wanda was known as the Avon lady, so you would always get a nice fragrance for Christmas or birthdays.

Wanda loved spending time with her family. Sunday dinners and vacations were her favorite, along with the annual family, “Camper Lamper” trip to Virginia, that she and James took their kids and grandkids on. Family was everything to Wanda and she tried her best to make it to school plays, sporting events, recitals, and wouldn’t miss a big moment for her children or grandchildren. Wanda’s other love besides her family was her church/church family. She was a member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church from the time she was a little girl until her passing. She served as a steward, member of the Faith Inspirational Choir, St. Paul Players drama group, Miracle on Long Street committee, Leap of Faith dance ministry and numerous committees to ensure St. Paul A.M.E. thrived over the years. She was also one of the founding creators of the Jam-N-Jefferson Park Community festival that went on for over 10 years.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, husband James Brown, daughter Jamie Liggins and brother Rodger Brown, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory, children Jeffrey Brown (Tracey Jones) and Jerald (Satina) Brown, sibling, Diane Bell, sister & brother in-laws Doris Brown, Joyce Jones, Charles (Marcia) Brown, and Eleanor Brown; grandchildren, Brittany Price, Lawrence Dixon (Jr), Janae Brown, Taylor (Christopher) Dalton, Jerald Brown II, Terrance Liggins, Kristian Brown, Joselyn Brown, and Joi Brown. Great grandchildren, Kennedy Dixon, Ayden Davis, and Willow Brown, special children and grandchildren, Fontella Lanning, Jerome Ferguson, Kevin Holland, Kelly Dillard, Marchia Smith, and Tawna Bonner; special friends Rev. Dr. Michael Bean, Becky Holliman, Joann Roots, Nora White a host of nieces, nephews, God children and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Wanda M. Brown, age 83. Sunrise November 24, 1939 and Sunset October 5, 2023.
Visitation 9:00 AM and Funeral Service 9:30 AM Saturday, October 14, 2023 at St. Paul AME Church , 639 E. Long Street.

Interment at Glen Rest Memorial Estates.