Edrie Eileen Turner Brown, 82, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on June 27, 2025. Edrie was born on January 12, 1943, in Jacksonville to William Claude Turner and Emma Lorene Bullard. She was raised in the Springfield and Murray Hill neighborhoods, where she developed a sharp wit, deep faith, and lifelong love for her community. During her youth, she also spent time in Alma, Georgia, helping on the family farm—a season of life that shaped her strong work ethic and deep appreciation for family. She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School and went on to build a successful 40-year career as a legal secretary and later as a Federal Judicial Assistant. Throughout her entire career, she worked alongside Judge Jerry Funk. From his early days in private practice all the way through his appointment to the federal bench, the two formed a professional partnership marked by loyalty, excellence, and trust.
In 1973, Edrie became a devoted member of Evangel Temple Assembly of God. Over the years, she taught Sunday School and Missionettes, sang in the church choir, and opened her home to traveling Christian singing groups. Her love for Southern Gospel music was matched only by the joy she found supporting the Southern Gospel Quartet ministries alongside her beloved husband, James “Jimmy” Thomas Brown, Jr.
To her family, she was simply Mama, Grandma, or Meema. A constant source of strength, wisdom, and comfort. Known affectionately by her friends as “the rock,” Edrie was the one others turned to for advice, laughter, or just a steady presence in life’s storms. Her sense of humor was dry and sharp, and she delighted in court TV shows, crossword puzzles, and reading a good novel. She was also a talented baker, known for her delicious wedding cakes, sweet treats, and legendary fried chicken and baked beans. She was proud to have seen Elvis Presley perform at the Florida Theatre as a teenager and later fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting the Holy Land on a church trip.
Edrie is survived by her sons Jeffrey Scott Brown (Pamela Brown) and Troy Alan Brown (Cody Yates); her grandchildren Kyle (Kayla), Christopher (Katie), Courtney (Brady), and Cayleigh (Justin); and her great-grandchildren Jayden, Blaire, Willow, Fallon, Evelyn, Declan and Reid. She is also survived by her former sister-in-law Mary Stratton and many extended family and friends who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, her former husband Jimmy, and her grandson Justin Brown.
In her final chapter, Edrie was lovingly cared for in the home by her family where she remained surrounded by laughter, comfort, and faith. She will surely be missed by everyone who loved and knew her. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to two extraordinary caregivers, Trufina Gasby and Rosemarie Jackson, whose kindness, dedication, and gentle presence brought immeasurable comfort during Edrie’s final days.
A visitation for Edrie will be held Tuesday, July 1, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Evangel Temple Assembly of God, 5755 Ramona Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205. A funeral service will follow at 6:00 PM at the church. A committal service will occur Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Hardage- Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205.
Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home is serving the Brown family.
