Sleda M. Brown

Sleda Brown went home to the Lord on August 9, 2015. She died peacefully at home while surrounded by loved ones. She was 93 years young.

Sleda was born on December 5, 1921 to Willie and Susie Johnson in Chicago, Illinois. She was a graduate of DuSable High School and attended Cortez W. Peters Business School in Chicago. Sleda married Joshua Brown on August 16, 1946 and was widowed upon his death in March 1998. A resident of Kent for 68 years, Sleda was employed at Kent State University for 25 years, before her retirement. Prior to her illness she was very active in her church and the oldest member of Spelman Chapel A.M.E. Church in Kent. Sleda was a true servant of God. One of her life's goals was to live at least until 90; well God granted her request and as gracious as He is, gave her family an additional three years. "To God be the glory."

Her greatest legacy will be as a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her priority was always her family. She and Josh were civil rights advocates and active members of the NAACP who fought to provide opportunities for their children and others that were not afforded them during the time of segregation.

Sleda is survived by her three children and their spouses: Harold D. Brown, Sr. (Eleta) of Kent; Jerry W. Brown, Sr. (Denise) of Evanston, IL; and Carol Brown-Elston (Willie) of Long Beach, CA. Sleda has six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Her grandson Jason Brown preceded Sleda in death.

Celebration of Life services will be held at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home on Saturday, August 15th at 1PM with viewing from 12-1pm. Services will begin at 1pm followed by burial at Standing Rock Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Sleda Brown to Robinson Memorial Hospice, PO Box 1204, Ravenna, OH 44266-1204.