Johnnie Mae "Puddin" Brown was born on February 7, 1951 in Cleveland, MS.  She accepted Christ at an early age and later became a devoted member of New Bethel M.B. Church, which is currently under the leadership of Pastor Cleophus Neal.

Puddin attended East Side High School (ESH), where she was a proud member of the Class of 1969.  She is fondly remembered as one of the showstopping majorettes in the ESH band- an early reflection of her lifelong love for dancing, stylish boots, and signature high kicks.  In 1972, she completed additional coursework at Delta State University.

Her professional background includes clerical and office work with the youth court program at the Bolivar County Courthouse.  In 2006, she received training from Bethany Medical Clinic and became a certified nurse assistant, allowing her to serve as a compassionate caregiver for many years.  She was also employed with several companies in Cleveland, MS - including Duo Fast, D and L, and Baxter Healthcare Corporation, where she earned awards for her hard work, dedication and perfect attendance.

Puddin was a true lover of interior design/decor.  She enjoyed cooking, spending time with her grandchildren, family, friends, attending events, traveling and proudly wearing the latest fashions, keeping the local department stores in business with her love for shopping.  She was the life of the party, known for her line dancing and love of entertainment.  Outspoken and confident, she never hesitated to share her opinion, whether you asked for it or not.  On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, she was called to her eternal rest at the age of 74.

Puddin was preceded in death by her parents, Mary (Nee) Glinsey Thomas and Andrew Thomas, Sr., special mother/aunt, Essie Mae Murphy; siblings, Preston Redmond, Roosevelt "Sonny" Thomas (Ella Rose)., Ethel Thomas, Carrie Lee Brown, Minnie Bea Taylor (Roosevelt), Clydetea Neal, Jeanette Thomas, Geneva Lewis (Cleophus), and Gloria Mae Smith (Johnny); grandson, Edcary "Squiggy" Noble; Aunt Rosie Stovall, and her special cousin, K.G. Felix of Philadelphia, PA.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories with her daughter, Valencia (Terence Sr.) Hawkins of Brandon, MS; two sons, Edward Earl (Tuesday) Brown of St. Mary's, GA and Latonia Rozelle Brown of Cleveland, MS; four grandchildren, Deterrius (Chanel) Clayton Sr. of Cleveland, MS; Essie Hawkins of Memphis, TN, Telencia Hawkins of Hattiesburg, MS and Terence (Ashlee) Hawkins, Jr. of Carroltown, TX; siblings, Larry (Amelia) Glinsey, Andrew (Brenda) Thomas Jr., and Dorothy Brown all of Cleveland, MS; Barbara Redmond and Vivian ( Roosevelt) James of Milwaukee, WI and Annie (Joe Willie) Black of Lakeland, FL.  She is also survived by her special cousin, Viola Norris of Philadelphia, PA, brother-in-law, David Neal of Peoria, IL, her great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, god children, extended family and beloved friends.