Clarice Juanita McMullan Brown

Mrs. Clarice Juanita “Nita” McMullan Brown, 83, of Pine Knoll Drive, Elberton, GA, wife of 53 years to the late Joseph Timothy Brown, passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024, at her residence.

Mrs. Brown was born in Elbert County, GA on June 3, 1940, and grew up in the Rock Branch Community. She was a 1958 graduate of Elbert County High School and married the love of her life, Joseph Timothy Brown, a few months later. She and Joe Buck were the proud parents of four children: Barry Joe, Terry Steven, Karen Denise, and Kimberly Jo.

Nita was a lifelong member of Rock Branch Baptist Church where she taught the Preschool Sunday school class for many years, volunteered with the AWANA program, and was a member of the Marion Clinton Circle. She devoted her life to raising her family as a stay-at-home mother, ensuring her children had everything they needed and most of what they wanted. After all of the children were in school, Mrs. Brown went to work as a paraprofessional at Beaverdam Elementary School, fulfilling her life’s dream of working with children. After retirement, Nita was fortunate enough to babysit her grandchildren, but always made time to substitute teach with the Elbert County School System in order to be with children.

She and Joe Buck enjoyed working together at the voter polls during election season. In her free time, she could often be found digging in the dirt tending to her many beautiful flowers as well as feeding and watching birds. When she was younger, she enjoyed sewing and made many of her children’s clothes.

Mrs. Brown is preceded in death by her husband, Joe; son, Barry Joe; parents: Jim Martin McMullan and Lessie Inez Greenway McMullan; siblings: infant Ralph McMullan, Wilene Brady, Jimmy McMullan, and Sara Durham.

Surviving are her children: Terry (Lisa) Brown of Atlanta, GA, Karen (Greg) Johnson of Elberton, GA, and Kim (Bill) Yeargin of Elberton, GA; and siblings: Bobbie Sue Hall of Elberton, GA, Hubert (Sybil) McMullan of Elberton, GA, Donnie (Phyllis) McMullan of McDonough, GA; She was the devoted “Nene” to her grandchildren: Taylor Steven (Ali) Brown of Atlanta, GA, Joseph Coleman (Aubry) Brown of New York, NY, Robert Banks Brown of Nashville, TN, Conner Leanne (Jared) Taylor of Elberton, GA, Abby Ann (Jayme) Johnson of Kennesaw, GA, Captain Dallas William (Brittney) Yeargin, currently stationed at Fort Gregg-Adams in the US Army, and Josie Claire Yeargin (Alex Ivester) of Elberton, GA;  and great-grandchildren: Taylor Steven “Tee” Brown, Jr., Lewis Childs Brown, Colter Dallas Yeargin, and Baker Grace Taylor. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

The family is at the residence and will receive friends on Thursday, January 25, from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home.

Funeral services celebrating Nita’s life will be held on Friday, January 26, at 11:00a.m. at Rock Branch Baptist Church, with interment following in the church cemetery. Mrs. Brown will be placed in the church at 10:00a.m.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in her memory to Rock Branch Baptist Church, 2150 Coldwater Road, Elberton, GA 30635.

The family wishes to extend their sincerest appreciation to Linda Spavins and Deborah Gero and to the staff of St. Mary’s Hospice for their care to Mrs. Brown.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Clarice Juanita “Nita” McMullan Brown.