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Jeanette dedicated her life to caring for and serving others.

Jeanette Brown, 81, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on October 10, 1944, in Sanford, Florida, Jeanette was raised in Canastota, New York, where she graduated from Canastota High School before pursuing her education in nursing school.

Jeanette dedicated her life to caring for and serving others. She began her career at the Onondaga County VA Hospital, where she faithfully served veterans for ten years. Her passion for helping others led her back to school to become a teacher's assistant. She went on to spend eleven years with the Syracuse City School District, working with special needs children, touching countless lives with her patience, compassion, and gentle spirit.

Known for her kindness and generosity, Jeanette was lovingly referred to as "Mama Brown" by many neighborhood children who found comfort, encouragement, and unconditional love in her presence. She had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome and cared for, and her home was often a place of warmth, laughter, and fellowship.

Jeanette found great joy in spending time with her family and friends. Her greatest calling, however, was her faith and service to God. As First Lady of Zion Hill Pentecostal Church, she faithfully stood beside her beloved husband in ministry, offering support, wisdom, and love to their church family throughout the years. Her steadfast faith and servant's heart left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

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Known for her kindness and generosity, Jeanette was lovingly referred to as "Mama Brown" by many neighborhood children.

Jeanette was predeceased by her sister, Minnie Lee Porter; her brothers, Willie James, Hayward Williams, Alton Jackson, and Samuel Jackson; her eldest daughter, Tracey L. Brown; and her beloved grandson, Jalen Brown.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, The Rev'd Willie Brown; her loving children, Dennis Brown, Audra Brown, Tonja Lewis, Willie Brown III, Tara Brown, Damien Brown; her 33 cherished grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by her love and kindness.

Jeanette's legacy is one of faith, service, compassion, and unwavering love for her family and community. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Services will be announced in the coming days.