Miss Aretha Brown

Aretha Brown was born August 20, 1967, in Heth, Arkansas, to the late Mary Alice Brown Washington, affectionately known as “Big Mary,” and the late Samuel Howard, Sr. She departed this life on February 4, 2026, at 9:04 PM at her home in Madison, Arkansas, surrounded by her loving family. She was raised in a loving and close-knit family where faith, strong values, and the importance of family were instilled in her from an early age. Aretha attended school in the Forrest City School District. She was known for her warm spirit, caring heart, and her deep love for her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who found her greatest joy in being surrounded by those she loved most. Aretha enjoyed playing baseball, cooking for her family, hosting gatherings, and bringing people together through celebrations and fellowship. Her presence could light up any room, and her love for family was evident in all that she did. At an early age, Aretha confessed Christ and accepted Him as her Lord and Savior. She believed in the power of prayer, perseverance, and trusting God through every season of life. Aretha was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Alice Brown Washington; her father, Samuel Howard, Sr.; her grandmother, Martha Brown Howard; her brothers, Samuel Howard, Jr., and Manuel Howard; her beloved son, Gerry Edward Brown; her grandson, Gerryontae Brown; her daughter-in-law, Tenika LaCole Stewart; her very good friend, Michael Ray Jones; and her nephew, Patrick Kidd, Jr., whom she raised as her own, along with other cherished family members who welcomed her into eternal rest. She leaves to cherish her precious memories her son, Steven Clark of Forrest City, Arkansas, whom she lovingly adopted at two weeks old; three granddaughters, Nikiyah Brown and Janiyah Brown of Forrest City, Arkansas, and Gerronah Brown of Texas; one grandson, Demarquez Sinclair of Forrest City, Arkansas; her siblings, Cynitha Howard Martin of Marianna, Arkansas, Daniel Brown of Forrest City, Arkansas, Christie Kidd Bowen (Michael Bowen) of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Shawanda Brown of Madison, Arkansas; nieces and nephews whom she helped raise as her own, Dominique Dillard, Ki’Aira Dillard, Chasity Kidd, and Se’Aira Watson, all of Forrest City, Arkansas; her goddaughter, Leosha Williams of Maumelle, Arkansas; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory. Though her presence will be deeply missed, the love, laughter, and lasting legacy Aretha leaves behind will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Miss Aretha Brown

August 20, 1967 - February 4, 2026