Ella Irene Brown departed this life on February 22, 2026, in South Plainfield, NJ.
Ella Irene Brown was born on July 13, 1940, in Plainfield, NJ, to the late James and Lola Irby. Ella’s journey on earth was about love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Ella’s time on this earth was that of advocating for love and fairness for all. Ella was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family and so many whose lives she touched!
Ella moved to NJ in the late 1950s with her small family of five. She took on various jobs to support her family. Later, she retired to be a full-time mother/caretaker for her eight children as well as her grandchildren. She loved her duties as a mother/caretaker! She never wavered in her style of child rearing, even when she was accused of spoiling them.
Ella was very generous with her time and money. She spent her resources helping the disadvantaged and homeless on the streets of Plainfield, NJ. Most referred to her as Mom! She would counsel those less fortunate as she fed them. She enjoyed helping others, and they enjoyed her love and concern for them. They were her people, and she would open her heart and purse for them.
Ella knew and loved the Lord. Before her medical issues, she was an active member of the Refuge Church of Christ, under the Leadership of the Late Bishop Robert Grayer & Bishop Michael Grayer. Ella was an excellent cook! She was known for her soulful cooking. You could count on her to volunteer to cook for family gatherings and other social events. Her infamous “potato salad” was always the star of such gatherings. Many people came to these events looking for “Ella’s potato salad”. She found immense joy in cooking and sharing her meals with others. Her love for cleaning was always baffling to many. They found it hard to believe how she kept her house so clean with so many people in it. Cleanliness was a must for her! Ella will be remembered as a woman of faith, creativity, generosity, and service to many. She leaves a legacy that will continue to live on through the many lives that she touched!
She was preceded in death by her husbands, the late Cornilius Hardie and the late Charles Brown; her parents, James and Lola Irby; sons Rudolph Hardie, Rodney Hardie, and Anthony Hardie; daughter Shama Brown-Garcia; brothers James H. Irby Jr. and William D. Irby.
She leaves to cherish her memories of her beloved children: Patricia Taylor-McLaughlin, Leon Hardie, Lisa Hardie, and Jacqueline Brown; along with 17 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren; brothers John Irby (Carolyn), Donald Irby, Hermon Irby (Marge); sister Lillian Irby-Buggs, Sister-in-law Sylvia Irby; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends;