Alberta Brown

Alberta Brown, 92, of Sarasota, FL, passed away on July 17, 2022. Alberta was born in Alachua County on March 3, 1930, to Leroy Brown, Sr. and Agnes Brown, both of whom proceeded her in death as well as her son, Larry Brown, and all of her siblings.

Brown’s family were sharecroppers from Alachua County. In her 20’s, she  moved to Sarasota to find work. She later worked as a live-in on Siesta Key for a physician’s family taking care of the couple’s little girl. When help was no longer needed, she followed in her sister’s footsteps, training to become a cook. 

The position at her next job evolved into more. Jane Bancroft Cook, heir to the Dow Jones & Company family enterprise was looking for a cook. Through a recommendation from a previous employer, Cook met the tall, soft spoken Alberta and hired her on the spot. The job interview went well, Brown recalls. “She looked at me and said, ‘oh, you’re beautiful’.” What followed was a friendship with Cook until her death in 2002 and a lifelong, and lasting kinship with the Cook family.  She was known in the Newtown community for her scrumptious southern-style Sunday throw downs — a big roast seasoned to the bone, a large pot of collards, buttery yams, melt in your mouth mac-n-cheese, and moist cornbread with crispy edges.  Extended family members, church friends, her pastor and drop-ins were part of the platoon stopping in for a plate.

Mrs. Brown survived crippling polio, learned how to walk, and lived an abundant life of extensive travel. She traveled with her club members, (The Household of Ruth), her church, family and friends and sometimes by herself.  Her nickname from her son was L&G (Lets and go).  For over 40 years, she was a foster parent to many children. The last three young boys to come into the family were Bobby Williams, John Jacobs and Michael Vanderhaven with special needs. Alberta married Alphonso Dixon and later married Frank Hamilton, both also proceeded her death.

The opportunity to serve Bethel CME Church over 60 years brought the greatest joy into her life. She served as a stewardess, Sunday School Superintendent, member of the senior choir and director of the Young People Choir).

The 92 year old matriarch of the Williams-Davis family is survived by her daughter, Debra Seawell; her son, Kenny Dixon; grandchildren: Syreeta Smart Jifunza (Demetrius, Sr.)  Nekima Dixon, Gregory T. Seawell, and Jasmine Seawell; great-grandchildren: Talik Dixon, Micah Brewer, Demetrius Jifunza, Jr., Kayden Jifunza, Journie Jifunza, Talmir Seawell and Ryan Archie, Jr.; foster son, John Jacobs; her godchildren: Cornelius Heath, Giovanni Humphrey, Terry Humphrey, Dorese Craft and Chris Walker, just to name a few.

Visitation is 6-8 P.M. on Friday, July 22, 2022, at Bethel C.M.E. Church, 1719 22nd St., Sarasota, FL. Homegoing Services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Bethel C.M.E. Church. Chandler’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.