Ida Brown

Ida Ruth Brown was born on March 7, 1946, in Montrose, Mississippi to the late Grover Edward Wheaton Sr. and Nannie Ruth Wheaton. Ida departed this life on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Illinois.

Ida was a member of Oak Grove M.B. Church in Montrose, Mississippi. After graduating from Bay Springs High School in 1964, Ida moved to Chicago, IL where she built a life rich in love, resilience, and community. Working at the post office for many years until she opened up her own beauty shop “Ida B’s”. As a devoted mother to her daughter, Rita (Jonnny) Sutherland of Jackson, Mississippi, and her sons, Wardell (Joyce) Brown of Chicago IL , and Kelvin (Rosie) Brown of Joliet, IL she nurtured them with boundless love. She also left a legacy in her beloved granddaughter, Angie Brown. Ida was known for her joyful spirit—bowling at Skyway Bowling Alley, playing bingo, singing and gathering with family around a card table. Beyond her immediate family, Ida leaves behind a circle of cherished siblings: a brother, James Hollins Jr., and Sandra of Jackson, Mississippi; Deborah Cavett of Dallas, Texas; Betty Wheaton of Jackson, Mississippi; Grover Wheaton Jr. of Jackson, Mississippi; Charmane Wheaton of Colorado; and Dorothy Smith and Cleotha in Chicago, Illinois.  Many grandkids, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews cousins and friends Ida is preceding in her home going with her brother, Grady Wheaton Sr. As we remember Ida’s journey, we celebrate a life of courage, connection, and enduring love that will echo through each one of us.

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