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Essie Jean Shelton Brown, 81, left her earthly home for her heavenly home in the early morning hours of Wednesday, October 2021. Born to the late William Maynard and Cora Belle Holly Shelton on April 26, 1940. She was the youngest of twelve siblings. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Wallace Simpson, Maynard Edward “RT” and Alvin Shelton; five sisters, Willie “Marie” Cardwell, Cora Seabury, Barbara Hill, Ruby Vance, and Juanita Terry.

Essie graduated from Dunbar High School in 1958. She married James Brown, Sr. in 1958. The couple briefly lived in Philadelphia, PA before returning to Lynchburg, Virginia. She was employed by Lynchburg General Hospital before transitioning to Lynchburg City Schools in the Transportation Department.  Until her retirement in 2016 after 42 years of service. She loved her job as a School Bus Driver and Trainer and was fondly called “Slow” by her co-workers.

In addition to her husband of 63 years, James, she is survived by her daughter who was her primary caretaker until her death Cynthia “Cyndi” Jackson of Lynchburg, Va., her son James Browns, Jr. of Lynchburg, Va.; one brother, William “Bill” Shelton of Chicago, Ill.; four grandchildren Candace Brown, Darnell Brown, Deshawn Brown, and Deshae Brown all of Lynchburg, Va. ; three great-grandchildren,  whom she affectionately adored, Tahnylah Alexander, Kahniyah “KeKe’ Alexander, and Kennadie Parrish all of Lynchburg, Va. and a host of family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg Chapel, Sunday, October 24, 2021.

The family of Essie Jean Shelton Brown wishes to acknowledge with deep gratitude and appreciation to the many expressions of love, kindness and support from all during this time of bereavement. A special thank you to the medical staff of Centra Home Health and the staff of Lynchburg Fire Department for the outpouring of support and care provided to our loved one during her times of illness. May God continue to bless you all for your kindness.

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.