Community Gathers To Celebrate The Life Of Mazielle Brown

NORFOLK

Calvary Cemetery was the site of the home going service for Maizelle Brown on Saturday, November 16.

Family, friends and others who knew the celebrated and talented artist gathered at graveside to say good-bye and express their love. Maizelle, born March 18, 1941 transitioned on November 2, 2024 in her hometown of Norfolk, Va.

Paintings and artwork by Maizelle have been and some can currently be seen at such local galleries as the Barry Art Museum, Norfolk Botanical Garden, Chrysler Museum, Norfolk State University, and many others in the Hampton Roads area. Her expressions were extraordinary because of her innate talent  that celebrated and captured the essence of everyday Black life in many forms.

Serving as spiritual leader for the service was Joseph Ofusu. The community members gathered, most standing, and a few in chairs they had brought along, to the steady beat of the African drum with lead drummer John Earl Robinson which lent a solemnity to the purpose for which the gathering of friends and family was being held.

Speaker after speaker brought tributary remarks to the extraordinary life and artistic legacy of Maizelle, each noting her humble personna and willing spirit.

Solo renditions of Maizelle’s favorite songs by Lucius Bennett and a poetry and song selection by Ferria Fatia Collucci were well received.

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As the ceremony came to an end, Maizelle’s favorite flower – the sunflower – was gifted to those who so chose.

Riddick Funeral Services officiated.