Elaine Bonita Brown

Mrs. Elaine Bonita Brown was born November 19, 1953 in Wilkes County, Georgia to Armerzene and Ben Irvin Willis. She attended and graduated from Frankfurt High School in Germany on June 7, 1971.

Elaine met the love of her life, Johnny, living in Germany in April 1971. It was love at first sight…for Johnny. However, it took some time for him to win over Elaine’s heart. But once he did, as Johnny says, “they were two peas in a pod.” They were married on September 7, 1973. Over the years, they went on to raise 5 children, along with a host of others who cherished Elaine & Johnny as their “bonus” parents.

Elaine studied the Bible, developing a personal relationship with Jehovah, her Heavenly Father and Friend. She dedicated her life to Jehovah and symbolized her dedication and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on July 15,1975. As a loving wife and mother, she taught her children about Jehovah’s wonderful promises for the future—to live forever on a paradise earth.

Elaine enjoyed decorating and cooking. Cooking since the age of 9, Elaine was well known for her famous recipes for macaroni & cheese, turkey & dressing, banana pudding and red velvet cake. She often would try to teach others how to recreate these recipes and more. Every day in her home felt like Sunday dinner as Elaine imitated Martha, Lazarus’ sister, in displaying hospitality. Her home was where you would often find family and friends gathered, eating, laughing, and remembering many good times. She made everyone feel at home.

Elaine was an integral part of the lives of her family and friends. She loved them deeply. Her generosity and self-sacrificing spirit were evident in all she readily did for others. Elaine could not see a need and not do what she could to fill that need. Even with her own health challenges, she still looked for opportunities “to do good and to share” what she had with others, knowing “God is well-pleased with such sacrifices.” (Hebrews 13:16)

On August 19, 2021, Elaine fell asleep in death. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 47 years, Johnny M. Brown, her beloved children, Linda Jackson (Robert) Cleveland, Juan (Sheaner) Willis, Johnny M. (Kristie) Brown II, Shallon Johnson, and Anthony (La’Shell) Brown. Her siblings including two brothers and two sisters: Vincent (Audrey) Willis, Darryl (Gwen) Willis, Valerie Willis Morris, and Kathleen Funkhouser.

Elaine will be remembered with affection and love by her twelve grandchildren: Clifford, Dajah, Bonisha, Juwan, Johnny, Allon, Stormie, Christopher, Jevon, Jayden, Andrew, and Landon; her aunt and uncle: Douvall Smith and Julia Smith, as well as seven great grandchildren, and a host of extended family and dear friends who brought great joy to her life.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ben Irvin Willis, her mother, Armerzene Willis Funkhouser and her stepfather, Robert Funkhouser, and her brothers, Theodore Smith and Brian Willis.

Services will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 28, 2021 in the chapel of Platt's Funeral Home, Belair Road.

Please sign the guestbook and send condolences at www.plattsfuneralhome.com.