On January 4, 2026, one of God's most beautiful flowers was plucked from earth for His heavenly bouquet. Etta P. Brown, 98, peacefully transcended to heaven.

Etta was born on April 6, 1927 in Chidester, Arkansas, the daughter of Leslie Sr, and Savannah Cross-Toney. After relocating to Rockford, Etta united in holy matrimony to Verner C. Brown on October 18, 1947. They were blessed with three children; Lavern, Loretta, and Bernadette.

At an early age, Etta accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. Etta was a faithful and dedicated member of Bethel Baptist Church, serving on the mother's board as a deaconess, and faithful member of the Sunday School. Etta was a former member of the Senior Choir, Willing Workers, and participated, worshipped, and prayed on various church programs. She enjoyed attending the Annual Women's Retreat (Baptist General State Convention of IL Inc.Women's Auxiliary).

Etta graduated from Nevada County Training School, and later received her Cosmetology Diploma from Nola's School of Beauty Culture. She earned her CNA Certificate from Rock Valley College.

During her lifetime, she worked as a CNA at Walter Lawson Children's Home, Coventry Terrace Nursing Home,  Briar Glenn Healthcare Centre, and twenty-eight years at Fairview Plaza Nursing Home.

She leaves behind to cherish her memories, devoted husband of 78 years, Verner C. Brown; daughter, Bernadette Coleman; granddaughter Destiny Coleman; sister, Rodell Marshall; nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Etta was predeceased by her parents, four sisters; Queen Ester Clark, Beadie Toney, V. Ester Brown, and Alice Marie Toney; four brothers: Leslie Jr., Jack, Brad, and Sylvester Toney; beloved son and daughter-in-law: LaVern and Lois Tidwell-Brown, and daughter Loretta Greer.

Special thanks to the staff of Heartland Hospice. Heartfelt thanks go out to Etta's dedicated nephews Cedric Brown and Drextel Clark , and  nieces Sallie Tidwell and Patricia Seals for their generous help and concern.

Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 12, 2026 at Bethel Baptist Church 724 Harrison Ave. Burial in Willwood Burial Park. Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.