Earlie Mae Brown, 86 of Waterloo, Iowa was born February 14, 1937, in Brazil Mississippi, the first-born daughter of David and Mattie (Smith) Sykes. Earlie Mae married Clarence Simpson in Waterloo Iowa. This union was blessed with three sons: Clarence, Nicholas, and Dennis Simpson. They were later divorced. In 1964, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Elmer Brown in Preston, MN. Together they raised their three sons.

Earlie Mae attended East High School and also graduated from Hawkeye Tech with an associate degree in administration services. Mae as she affectionately called by family and friends worked at the Waterloo Airport, Waterloo Community Schools as a bus driver, and Operation Threshold. Mae was also an entrepreneur. She was a seamstress and floral designer. In fact, one of the best in Waterloo. She took great pride in her work. She had great creativity and vison when it came to designing any project.

Earlie Mae accepted Christ into her life at an early age. She was a member of Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church and later moved her membership to Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, where she was actively serving until her illness. Earlie Mae was a true servant of the Lord. She served on the mother's board, choir member, church secretary, finance committee, and kitchen committee. Mother Brown was also prayer partners with Pastor Caldwell. She attended services and served up until her illness. She will be truly missed by many. To God be the Glory.

On May 26, 2023, Earlie Mae was called home to glory, surrounded by her loving family.

To cherish her memories; Her husband of 58 years, Elmer Brown; Three sons and one daughter; Clarence Simpson of Las Vegas, NV, Nicholas Simpson of Brooklyn, NY and Dennis Simpson of Minneapolis, MN; Daughter Elma Jean Thomas of Waterloo, IA. Six grandchildren; Nicole Bell, Alicia Simpson, Atavia (Raymond) Norman, Landen (Cierra) Newman, Erykah Simpson, Faith Mathis; Five great-grandchildren, Isiah Henry, Sylvia Johnson, Ramareon, Ryland, and Aubrie Norman; Two brothers: George Sykes of Waterloo, IA, and Walter Sykes of Cedar Falls, IA. One sister, Lula (David) Davis of Waterloo, IA. Her extended family; Belvin, Sonya and son Alex Anderson. Her nieces and nephews, friends and church family will miss her greatly.

Proceeded in death by; Her Parents; Brothers, David, James, Willie Sykes; Sisters, Mattie Henderson and Dorothy Bryant. Her two very special lifelong sisters; Mother Louise Toles and Thressia Gary. We know they were there to welcome her home.