Carole Brown was the mother of singer Bobby Brown, who rose to fame as a member of New Edition and as a solo artist. She was also the mother-in-law of Whitney Houston, who was married to Bobby Brown from 1992 to 2007. Carole Brown was a supportive and loving mother, who stood by her son through his ups and downs in his personal and professional life.
Contents
Carole Brown’s Death in 2011
Carole Brown died unexpectedly on January 20, 2011, at the age of 69. She passed away at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles, where she was staying with Bobby Brown and his family. The cause of her death was not officially disclosed, but some sources claimed that she suffered from a heart attack or a stroke. Bobby Brown was devastated by the loss of his mother, who he called his “best friend”. He released a statement saying, “It is a sad time for me right now. I am experiencing a tremendous loss, but I vow to celebrate her life in every way that I can with my entire family, including my fiancée Alicia, and my children Bobbi Kristina, LaPrincia, Bobby Jr., and Cassius.”
Carole Brown’s Funeral and Whitney Houston’s Performance
Carole Brown’s funeral was held on January 31, 2011, at the Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis, Missouri. The funeral was attended by Bobby Brown and his family, as well as other celebrities and friends, such as Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant, and Ricky Bell from New Edition, and singer Macy Gray. One of the most memorable moments of the funeral was when Whitney Houston, who had a tumultuous relationship with Bobby Brown, asked to perform a song in honor of Carole Brown. Houston sang a gospel rendition of “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”, and moved the audience with her emotional tribute. Houston said that she loved Carole Brown like a mother, and that she was grateful for her support and guidance. She also hugged Bobby Brown and expressed her condolences to him and his family.
Carole Brown’s Legacy and Bobby Brown’s Tribute
Carole Brown was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, who left a lasting impact on the lives of many people. She was known for her kindness, generosity, and faith. She was also a strong and resilient woman, who raised her children as a single mother in a tough neighborhood in Boston. She encouraged Bobby Brown to pursue his musical dreams, and was proud of his achievements. She also helped him cope with his struggles with addiction, legal issues, and divorce. She was always there for him, no matter what. Bobby Brown honored his mother’s legacy by naming his foundation after her. The Carole Brown Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships, mentoring, and counseling to at-risk youth and families. Bobby Brown also dedicated his 2016 memoir, Every Little Step, to his mother, and wrote, “I love you, Mom. You are my angel.”
