Vida May Dennis was born on December 7, 1933 in St. Mary, Jamaica, West Indies to Allen Dennis and Ethel Tracy. As a young child, she learned to depend on God, which later led to her accepting Christ.
At an early age, Vida would move to Kingston, where she did domesticated work. She later became a head cook, giving her the opportunity to cook for Sean Connery on the set of “Dr. No.” This was an honor for which she was extremely proud.
She migrated to the United Kingdom in 1966, where she would become a conductress on the buses.
Vida married Cleveland Brown, her lifelong love of 54 years, on September 3, 1966.
She moved to Rochester, New York in 1969, doing factor work and other jobs. Cleveland joined her in 1971, where they would create a foundation to bring their four children to the United States. Vida worked 24 years for Bausch and Lomb until her retirement.
Vida and Cleveland moved to Georgia in 2005, to be with their daughter, Maxine, after certain health issues started to arise. Plus, the weather was much better!
She leaves to mourn her loving husband of 54 years, Cleveland Brown; four children, Garfield Simpson of Rochester, New York, Kenneth (Valrie) Simpson of Conyers, Georgia, Althea Simpson of Ellenwood, Georgia and Maxine Brown of Stockbridge, Georgia; eight grandchildren, Yasmin Simpson of Rochester, New York, Lareina Davis of Ellenwood, Georgia, Brandon Simpson of Rochester, New York, Cassandra Simpson of Burbank, California, Dominique (Keri) Davis of Belleville, Illinois, Jamal Simpson of Conyers, Georgia, Venessa (Griffin) Drake of Los Angeles, California and Larissa Davis of the Military; three great-grandchildren, Devon Davis, Jr. of Rochester, New York, Deion Davis of Rochester New York and Layla Davis of Belleville, Illinois; a host of other relatives and friends.
Mama Brown, as she was affectionately called, was a devoted Christian. She loved God with an unmatched fervor. Anyone who met “Mama Brown” was instantly greeted with a genuine kind and caring spirit. She loved her family. Those close to her knew her passion was cooking and that she enjoyed feeding all that entered her home.
So, today we celebrate her life and legacy!
Mama Brown, God has you wrapped securely in his arms, having completed your task, having come through the storms. Your light is not extinguished, but a compass to lead the way, to gain the wings of Glory to see me on that day!
YOU ARE GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN … WE LOVE YOU!!!
Visitation for Mrs. Brown will be held on Monday, April 12, 2021 from 4:00PM-7:00PM at Horis A. Ward Funeral Home - Fairview Chapel, 376 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia.
The Homegoing Celebration of Life for Mother Vida May Dennis Brown will be held on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Horis A. Ward Funeral Home - Fairview Chapel, with Interment immediately following in Fairview Memorial Gardens.
We encourage family and friends to send messages, photos or videos to www.mem.com/010141726.
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