Zezell Theresa Brown's Obituary
The Celebration of Life Service for Zezell Brown.
Living Her Best Life!
ZEZELL THERESA BROWN was born on May 17, 1958, in Leavenworth, Kansas to parents
Thelma Juliette Owens and Louis Henry Brown, Sr.
Zezell, affectionately known as “Zee”, “Snazzy Zee” or “Ziggy” believed in living her “best
life” and “enjoying herself” and did so despite many hardships throughout her life.
As a child, she grew up in a tight knit community in Leavenworth and was known as a
force to be reckoned with if anyone messed with her, her family or her friends. She was
always outgoing and made many friends; some of her childhood friends from Leavenworth
are still her friends today. Throughout the years, she traveled to Kansas or wherever the
“Leavenworth Family Reunion” was to keep the bonds strong. As an adult, she continued
to gather lifelong friends from work, and her neighborhood, often striking up long
friendships with a friendly “hey neighbor”.
Zezell graduated from Leavenworth Senior High School in May, 1976. She was the mother
of two children, one daughter and one son. She moved to California in 1982, and lived in
San Diego, CA. She worked as a CNA before joining Scripps Mercy Hospital where she
worked for the last 35+ years.
Zee thoroughly enjoyed cooking, and if you knew her, you have probably had the pleasure
of tasting one of her many delicious dishes on any given occasion. She was known to
cook all the food and do all the decorating for her very famous birthday parties! She
enjoyed socializing with her friends and was known to be the life of the party.
Zezell entered into eternal rest on August 4, 2024. She is survived by her daughter,
Dorthea Briggs; her son, Jaquan Ellis; her granddaughter, Freeonna Donloe; her brother,
Louis Brown, Jr.; and her sisters, Rochelle Douglas, Gwendolyn Smith-Robson and Leticia
Norfleet, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in
death by her husband, Al Ingraham,her brother, David Brown and her parents.
Zezell will be deeply missed by a host of relatives, friends, and all who had the privilege of
knowing her. She will forever remain in our hearts.
For family and friends who wish to join, her “Celebration of Life” service, information is
below:
Sunday, August 18th @ 11am
Greenwood Memorial Park
4300 Imperial Avenue
San Diego, CA 92113
A Repass will directly follow the service and will be at Greenwood Memorial Park.
What’s your fondest memory of Zezell?
What’s a lesson you learned from Zezell?
Share a story where Zezell's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Zezell you’ll never forget.
How did Zezell make you smile?