Reba Brown

Ms. Reba (Jackson) Brown, age 80, who resided in Utica for the last 10 years, and prior to that lived in Poughkeepsie, New York for some 50+ years, but was born and raised in Glennville, Georgia, passed away on Friday, January 8, 2021 at approximately 7:45 in the morning while a resident at The Grand at Utica residing on the 6th floor. Ms. Reba was born in Glennville, Georgia on January 23, 1940 to John Henry Jackson and Edna (Bell) Jackson and endured hard years of segregation, exploitation, and discrimination. She fought daily for what she believed in and for her family while trying to instill these lessons and values in her children. Ms. Reba was predeceased by both her parents at a very young age and by her only sibling, John Jackson Jr. who passed in the mid 1980's. Ms. Reba was a retiree of the New York State Department of Mental Hygiene, in Wingdale, New York where she worked for almost 28 years. I, Carolyn, can remember persuading Mom to put in her retirement papers, and how she enjoyed her loud retirement party at the Olive Garden on Rte. 9 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Ms. Reba, our Mom, enjoyed watching TV, especially Westerns, Andy Griffith, and let's not forget, daytime soap operas, and taking her daily walks up and down the block, especially at the park. Mom was a quiet soul and a loner, keeping mostly to herself, but she did enjoy moments of shopping, dining out for fish fries, and occasionally visiting with family. But what really won her heart was attending one of her great-grandchild's (Aaliyah's) basketball game and then hugging her to death. (Somehow, I don't think Miss A. minded the hugs too much), and also taking her great-grandchild (Isabella) shopping or just hugging her to death, too! She also loved visiting with her other two great-grandchildren in Poughkeepsie, Rah and Brittinea. She also enjoyed her time with Jaré. Above all else, Ms. Reba loved her family. Reba is survived by her four children: Lucille Brown (Craig and Ramell), Burnice C. Brown, Philene Tanner (Shaonna Moultry), Carolyn; great-grandchildren, Aaliyah Smith, Isabella Marie Hinson Brown, and Baby Aubrey Brown (the newest great-grandchild that our Mom never got to meet due to COVID-19). She was loved by a host of other relatives and friends who enjoyed being around her. On Thursday, January 14th, family and friends can call upon the Brown family at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. from 3:00-4:00 pm. with Rev. Charles March sharing in prayers and a final blessing for Ms. Reba. Social distancing, registration for contact tracing, and a mask covering your nose and mouth will be required. Ms. Reba will be laid to rest in the Glennville, Georgia City Cemetery beside her brother John Jr., on Wednesday, January 20, 2021. During this time of social distancing that we are all experiencing, please take a moment to connect with Ms. Reba's family through the "Memories" section of her obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.