Ira Dell (Pettis) Brown

Ira Dell Pettis-Brown was born on the 5th day of February 1955, in the College Hill community of Oxford, Mississippi, to the late Mable Ozella Pettis and Teldo Pettis, Sr. and was their sixth child. She was born into a family who appreciated the value of family love, hard work and the goodness of God’s love. Her parents were education advocates who instilled in their children the importance of being self-sufficient and doing their best with the opportunities that they were given. 

 Ira Dell accepted Christ at an early age and joined Tobby Tubby M.B. Church. She started and enjoyed her Christian journey at the West Springs Hill M.B. Church. She was drawn to the ushering ministry and served in that capacity at Tobby Tubby M.B. Church.

Ira Dell obtained her high school diploma from Oxford High School and subsequently pursued an associate degree from Northwest Mississippi Junior College. She was employed with Emerson Electric until their closure and ended her employment as a caregiver at North Mississippi Regional Center and the Mississippi Veteran’s Home in Oxford, Mississippi.

Ira Dell married the love of her life, (the late Earl Brown). Ira Dell and Earl raised 3 children, Eric, Kerry and her granddaughter, Tamika. 

Ira Dell’s life’s journey led her to a life of adventure as one of her favorite past-times was searching for valuable finds at Saturday morning yard sales. She started her daily journey with a cup of coffee at the Chevron gas station and enjoyed the company of her dogs and cats. Although she was from a big family, she enjoyed quiet times with her Word Find booklets. Her biggest joy was the love and support she demonstrated towards her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family and friends. 

Ira Dell was preceded in death by her daughter, Tamala Yvette Pettis. She leaves to cherish her memory, two devoted sons: Eric Spencer Pettis (Charlette) and Kerry Allen Pettis, and Tamika L. Pettis, a granddaughter whom she raised as her own. She also leaves to cherish her precious memory, four grandchildren: Tamika Pettis, Darius J. Pettis, Jadan Pettis and Chloe Pettis; two great grandchildren: Shimura Carey and Tiana Polk. She leaves nine siblings: Teldo Pettis, Jr., Joe Pettis, Gwen Walker (Phillip), Carnelia Fondren (Wade, Sr.), Everlean Mathis (Harvey), Johnny Pettis (Trinika), Nellie Sanders (Paul), Barbara P. Davis, and Darryl Pettis (Helen).

Ira Dell, like many who travel life’s journey, was stricken with cancer. Her determination and perseverance lead her to valiantly fight for her life for over ten years. She was blessed to have family and friends who were supportive of her care during her battle with cancer. She always spoke of her love for Mattie Gossett and the late Chris Gossett, Johnny Woodall, Betty Carothers, Nathaniel Carter, Quanza Carter, Lisa Hudson and those she affectionally referred as “my yard sale buddies and caregivers.” Ira Dell fought the battle of her life with strength, perseverance and grace before going home to the loving arms of God. On the 12th day of June 2025, Ira Dell peacefully went into the arms of God for eternal rest.

Ira Dell was preceded in death by her parents: Teldo Pettis, Sr., and Mable Ozella (Green) Pettis; her daughter: Tamala Yvette Pettis; four siblings: sisters: Liza Bailey and Lillie Willingham and brothers: Archie Black, Sr. and Arthur Pettis.