Esther E. Brown

October 23, 1943 - February 23, 2022

Esther E. Brown, peacefully transitioned from this life, on February 23, 2022. She achieved a full life shared with a multitude of family and friends! She was born on October 23, 1943 to Orietta “Etta” Durham Thorpe and James Nolan Thorpe in Dover, Delaware. Esther graduated from William Henry Comprehensive High School in Dover, Delaware. Shortly after graduation, she discovered a love for nursing. This love led Esther to complete the Manpower Development & Training Vocational Program. Esther later began a career working for Playtex and retired after more than 30 years of service. After retiring from Playtex, she still wanted to be of service which led her to becoming a dietary aide with the Capital School District. Esther loved loving and serving people. She found great joy in joining Mt. Zion’s usher ministries. Esther enjoyed having gatherings at her house filled with love, laughs, and plenty of food. One of Esther’s favorite things to do was jump in a car, with the windows slightly lowered, and cruise. She spent her later years surrounded by several friends at Luther Village. In addition to her parents, Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Paul A. Brown; siblings, Clinton Durham, Sandra Stevenson and Ronald Thorpe; grandsons, Andre K. Thorpe, Jamaré L. Walker and Sir Kendrick D. Brown; and a special nephew. Harold “Jimmy” Stevenson. Esther is survived by daughters, Valeria A.T. Walker, Dover, DE and Vanessa L. Thorpe (Gregory/Stone), Wilmington, DE; sons, Claude “Duke” Brown III, Vallejo, CA and Keith Potts, Dover, DE; bonus children, Anthony Potts and Sandra Jenkins of Dover, DE. Esther’s siblings include, Caleb Harris, Georgetown, DE; Avis Hicks (Earl), Magnolia, DE; Keith Harris, Milton, DE and Karen McCants, New Castle, DE; eight grandchildren, Oscar “DePriest” Walker III, Dover, DE, Samuel L. Thorpe, Sr., Dover, DE, Ashleé D. Walker, Dover, DE, Brittani M. Dorsey (Pierre), Princess Anne, MD, Brittané D. Brown, Vacaville, CA, Devaniqué D. Brown, Vallejo, CA, Kennedy D. Brown, Vallejo, CA, and Anayiah K. Brown, Vallejo, CA; 17 great-grandchildren; and a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Affectionately Submitted, The Family