Louise “Brown Sugar” Brown
Born June 18, 1928, in Harrisburg, Arkansas, Louise Hampton was the only child born to the late Verda Betts and the late Alfred Hampton. On the morning of December 16, 2025, Louise peacefully transitioned to her eternal resting place with her Heavenly Father.
Louise received her secondary education from Shorter High School in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Determined to further her studies, she continued her studies at Shorter College and later at LeMoyneOwen College in Memphis, Tennessee. This was a significant accomplishment for a Black woman born in the 1920s, when college attendance was rare for women of any race. On October 25, 1946, Louise married Olan Brown, also of Harrisburg. They made their home in Memphis, where they remained together for 48 years, until his death. To this union were born two daughters, JoAnn and Deborah.
Louise possessed a true entrepreneurial spirit throughout her life. While raising her young family, she worked weekends as a hairdresser. Once her daughters were older, she entered the workforce full-time with the Memphis City Schools Transportation Department, retiring after years of devoted service. But retirement did not slow Louise down, as soon after, she formally launched her furniture upholstery business, spending years crafting beautiful home furnishing pieces well into her 90s, finishing her last piece in 2021.
Louise was a lifelong servant of the Lord and a dedicated member and patron of Bethel AME Church. She sang in the choir for many years, was a member of the Daisy B. Scott Missionary Society, and spent countless hours working at the Bethel Outreach Daycare. Throughout her life, Louise was a devoted caretaker and maternal presence to countless individuals. She opened her home to numerous family members in need of temporary or longterm refuge. She also housed, fed, and nursed family members who traveled to Memphis for medical treatment. And although she was blessed with two biological daughters, she served as a mother figure to many across her extended family, neighborhood, church community, and beyond, nurturing countless lives with her steady love and wisdom.
Above all, mothering was Louise’s primary calling, and there was no one better. She was a wonderfully loving mother to her two daughters, providing them with the nurturing, guidance, and protection they needed to navigate life. She was a dedicated granny to her grandchildren, stepping in often with extra love, advice, and spoiling. And she cherished her great-grandchildren, energizing whenever they were in her presence. Louise absolutely lived for the joy of her children.
Given the nickname “Brown Sugar” by former Bethel AME Pastor Charles Ware, due to her sweet nature, Louise loved studying her Bible and singing Gospel music. She was also known for her sass, her wit, her strength, her never-ending energy, and her generous spirit.
Both her parents, her husband, Olan Brown, and her daughter, JoAnn Brown Bell, preceded her in death.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Deborah Brown Wells (Charles); granddaughter, Calandria Wells Meadows (Darryl); grandson, Calund Wells (Denise); greatgranddaughters, Avery, Chloe, and Calie; great-grandson, Emerson; and numerous
herished CMemories
herished Memories
The Celebration of Life
Monday, January 5, 2026 11:00 A.M.
Bethel AME Church
2011 Alcy Road • Memphis, Tennessee 38114
Reverend Debbie Gaston, Officiant
Prelude
Processional Prayer.................................................................................................Reverend Melvin Lee
Scripture Readings:
Old Testament...................................................................Reverend Alfreda Owens
New Testament...........................................Reverend Kimberly Campbell-Ruguaru
Musical Selection.......................................................................................................Choir
Expressions of Love
(Respectfully, Two Minutes Please)
Mrs. Bobbie Whitaker
Ms. Patricia Moore
Mrs. Calandria Wells Meadows
Words of Comfort................................................................Bishop Robert G. Rudolph, Jr.
Acknowledgements & Resolutions...........................................Reverend Cheryl Eppenger
Musical Selection.......................................................................................................Choir
Eulogy...................................................................................Reverend Dr. Barbara Greene
Recessional
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalms 23
Thanks to each of you for your kindness, support, prayers, and words of comfort. A special thank you to the members of the Methodist Hospice Team. We will be forever grateful.
