Pinky Brown

Pinky Lee (Rice) Brown, age 85, of Muskegon Heights, Michigan, transitioned from this earthly realm on November 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on February 28, 1940, in Grenada, Mississippi, she was the beloved daughter of James and Bernice Rice. She attended schools in Memphis, Tennessee and Muskegon Heights, Michigan. In 1956, Pinky married Joseph Brown and though he preceded her in death in 1984, the love they shared remained an enduring legacy to their family.

As a wife and mother, Pinky Brown worked several jobs with her husband to help support their family. She dedicated 20 years of her life to Michigan Plastics as a spray painter and assembly worker before enjoying her well-earned retirement. Pinky Brown was a woman of great faith and confessed the Lord Jesus as her savior. A charter member of Mount Herman Zion Baptist Church, she found purpose and joy serving as an usher under the leadership of Rev. Timothy Culp and Rev. David McIntosh, warmly welcoming congregants to the house of worship until her health declined. She remained a devoted mother under the leadership of Rev. John L. Parker. Pinky Brown was passionate about her community and cherished her special gathering of friends known as the "Golden Girls," with whom she shared many meals and joyful moments.

Pinky Brown had a warm disposition, infectious smile, and a witty sense of humor. She loved genuinely and served others with intentionality. Pinky was a woman of many talents, enjoying gaming, fishing for perch and bluegills (as she loved seafood), dancing to the rhythm of her favorite music, and lovingly canning fruits and vegetables. She had an affinity for fashion, hats, fragrance and fancy shoes. Family was of utmost importance to her, prompting many road trips down Interstate 55 Southbound to visit relatives in Tennessee and Mississippi, while creating lasting memories with her loved ones. She was the Rice family matriarch and historian recounting stories, honoring her ancestors, and educating their descendants of their lineage and rich legacy.

Pinky Brown leaves to cherish her memories with her beloved children: Elizabeth (Gary) Morris, Jeffery (Faye) Brown, Crystal (Ronnie) Matthews, Tonette (Edward) Brown Garner, and Joseph Brown, Jr. (all of Muskegon, MI); son-in-law, Thomas Stewart (husband of the late Valerie); 11 grandchildren: Joseph "Joey" Brown, Justin Brown, Jeffery "Jay" Brown, Shelby Brown, Shundrice Brown, Karissa Matthews-Pender, Ronnie Matthews, Mehean Quinn, Dalrecus Stewart, Terrance Stewart, and Thomas "Nick" Stewart; 20 great grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter; sisters-in-law: Barbara Lenoir, Pearlie (Clyde) Branch, Ophelia Taylor, Luceal McCoy, Thelma McField, and Louise Brown; cousins: Collie Donson-Harrison, Samella Brown, and Dorothy Jean (Marble) Green; bonus daughter, Bertha Quinn; sister-friend, Earlene "Lene" Watson and a host of nieces, nephews, and loving friends.

Pinky Brown is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Brown, Sr.; parents, James and Bernice (Worship) Rice; grandparents, Martin and Madora (Glover) Worship, Golden and Pinky (Hall) Rice; daughter, Valerie Stewart; uncle, Andrew (Gracie) Rice; aunts, Virgina Rice and Cora Lee (Jessie Lee) Marshall; and brothers, Joe Willie Rice and Don "Noon" Lenoir.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." - Proverbs 31:25-31