Ernestine V. Brown “Kitten”

Ernestine Virginia Brown peacefully transitioned into eternal rest on Tuesday, March 10th at Hospice of the Chesapeake in Waldorf, MD. surrounded by her children. She fought a good fight, but GOD called her home to eternal rest.

Ernestine, affectionately known as “Kitten”, was born September 26, 1942, to the late Benjamin and Othelia Brady. She was the oldest of seven siblings and the only girl. She and her brothers were raised in the historic Barry Farms Community in Southeast, Washington. DC. Kitten was educated in the District of Columbia Public School System (DCPS).

Kitten was married to Walter E. Brown. From this union, they had four children – Walter, Shelia, Angelia, and Eirk. Kitten was a devoted wife, mother and stay-at-home mom, who meticulously took care of her home andchildren. She not only took care of her children but provided babysitting services for her family, friends, and children but provided baby-sitting services for her family, friends and neighbors.

Kitten enjoyed doing chores because she wanted her home to be spotless. She made sure the house was clean, and clothes were washed, ironed, and put away neatly. She had her weekly routine with no interruptions!

Prior to her retirement, Kitten worked at various jobs, including Bolling Air Force Base, Litton Industries and The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). She also worked part-time at the Kettering Library and rotated to several other branches as needed.

Kitten was very family oriented. She loved her children and absolutely adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even after retiring, she continued to do laundry for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Kitten remembered each family member's birthday and made it a tradition to send them a card every year, often including a monetary gift. Family members looked forward to receiving her thoughtful card, which gave her a sense of connection with the entire family. She just wanted a thank-you—otherwise, you were kicked off her list!

Kitten lived life to the fullest, always doing what brought her happiness, whenever she pleased. In her younger years, she enjoyed roller skating at the Kalorama Roller Skating Rink, a pastime she later shared with her children. She loved music—especially the "oldies but goodies"—and was an excellent dancer, often showing off her moves with friends back in the day at the "Go Go’s." Kitten liked to ski; she even organized several ski trips for friends. Additionally, Kitten enjoyed traveling and looked forward to her yearly bus trip to Atlantic City with her daughters and friends. Although she did not gamble, she spent her time shopping. Kitten loved traveling to visit her younger brother, Tony. She visited him from city to city by car or bus because she did not like to fly! 

After retiring, Kitten regularly attended Tuesday matinees at the AMC movie theater as tickets were discounted and there was no crowd — sometimes just her and a few others in the theater. Kitten’s favorite pastime was watching old movies, especially classic cowboy films on TV. She had her own private collection of over 400 movies on VHS tapes, DVDs and CDs. Her all-time favorite movie was “Imitation of Life.” Kitten also cherished her collection of frogs.

Kitten was very stylish and loved bright colors, but purple was her favorite. She kept her nails beautifully manicured and polished, and made sure her daughter Angie kept her hair always looking nice. A life well-lived!

Kitten was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Othelia Brady, as well as her brother, Bobby Brady.

Kitten leaves to cherish her memories: two sons, Walter (Paula), Eirk (Roni), two daughters, Shelia Givens (Dion), Angelia; 13 grandchildren, Yolanda, Caspertine, Jermall, Geron, Damani, Kieshauna, Britany, Chantel,Teya, Brandon, Jovell, Jazmine, Tykim (deceased); 14 great-grandchildren; five brothers, Benjamin, Jr., Irving (Katrina), Tyrone, Jerome (Pam), Tony (Priscilla) Brady; childhood friend Elizabeth Minter, and a host of other relatives and friends.