Tanya Va’Lissa Brown had a beautiful life that was intertwined and enriched between two families. To say she hit the jackpot in life is an understatement. Born on May 2, 1959 in Chicago, Illinois to Severe Brown and LaMarse Moore, Tanya came into this world a diva and fashionista. Her meticulous attention to her style of dress, decorating, and appearance screamed over-the-top detailing.

Tanya attended and graduated from Lucy Flowers high school in Chicago. It was here where she met her first love, Gus Rickette Jr, Through this connection, two monumental events happened during that time, the birth of her firstborn, Gus William Rickette III, and the spiritual and familial adoption into the Rickette family. She gained a family of 11 that, although they were not blood-related, this family is bound by a much deeper relation that is unbreakable, authentic, and eternal.

Tanya lived with her spiritual parents Gus and Mary Rickette throughout her young adulthood while raising Gus III. She worked in her famiy’s restaurant businesses and was a steadfast support and confidant to all of her siblings. The unwavering support she had growing up shaped her into womanhood. Her self-reflection gave her the courage and resilience to pick herself up from the stigma of being a single mom.

Tanya’s first leap of faith came in the early 80’s when she relocated from Chicago to Atlanta. It was here in 1988 where she met Kenneth White. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married in 1989 in Birmingham, Alabama. From this union, La’Tanya Bre’Onna and Tai’Lor Avery-Saul White were born. Kenny’s service in the military kept them moving to various cities and states from Charleston, SC, and eventually settling in Hampton, Virginia.

Tanya carried various responsibilities while navigating through her professional career. She held many positions throughout her life, from employment at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, GA, to working for the Fleet and Family Support Center, helping military families, to her final role as an Administrative Support Assistant with the United States Coast Guard.

Throughout the ups and downs, Tanya never lost her intention, desire, and focus on achieving her higher education goals. Her beloved and favorite Aunt Willie Mae, who cared for Gus III, inspired her to spread her wings and begin her higher education aspirations. Between 2004 and 2008, Tanya earned both her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Phoenix and her Master's Degree from American Intercontinental University.

Tanya has always had a precocious personality. Her aptitude and skill to grasp some of the most challenging people, things and situations while maintaining a balance of concern and empathy was an endearing trait that Tanya had which made everyone want to know her and love on her.

Tanya was a woman of deep, unwavering faith; she had a firm foundation in the belief in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She attended many churches throughout her life, but it was at El Camino a la Luz located in Hampton, Va where she felt at home.

Tanya’s infectious laugh, smile, kind heart, and beauty are forever etched in the hearts of everyone she touched.

The following messages are from Tanya given to her sister to share the week of her passing:

Alexander “Junnie” Redcross, you have been my partner of over 15 years. You stood by side with immeasurable loyalty, love and fortitude. You are the epitome of the vows for better or worse richer or poorer in sickness and in health. “You truly mended my broken heart and filled it with a love I never knew I deserved.”

My first born, Gus III, you are my SonShine, I was so young when you were born, sometimes feeling lost but you gave me hope and courage to push through. Your even calm demeanor soothed me in times when anxiety wanted to overtake me. You are intentional and consistent, and that has kept me grounded in knowing that you will be all right.

My only girl, my baby girl Bre’, headstrong, smart, and sassy just like me. You are intelligent and beautiful. You can be anything you set your mind to. Although our love was complicated at times, I LOVED YOU ALL THE TIME. Start reaching for the sky again; it’s yours for the taking.

My Tai’ Tai’, I look at you and I marvel. The doctors said you will never do this or that, too many negatives to even say. But I knew you were going to defy all the odds that were stacked against you. I used to worry about you the most. Your heart is always open, kind, and forgiving. I can rest now knowing that you have grown into a man after God’s heart.

Tanya is preceded in death by her mothers LaMarse Moore, and Mary Rickette, her father, Severe Brown, and her brother, Reginald Brown. Sisters Sarah Rickette Reed, Evalena Barnes, Ramona Rickette, and Saphronia Rickette.

Tanya leaves to cherish her memory her spiritual father, Gus Rickette Sr., her children Gus William Rickette III, La’Tanya Bre’Onna White, Tai’Lor Avery-Saul White (wife Kaitlyn) and Frances Gomez. Her partner, Junnie Redcross, Kenny White and Gus Rickette Jr,. Her aunts Bettie Johnson and Rosie Stennis. Her niece Kena Hamilton (great nieces and nephew Majesty, Royal, and Harmony). Her best friend Kelly Wilken. Five Sisters Veronica Rickette, Sandra Rickette, Sanja Stinson (Derrick) Dottie Willis, Charmaine Rickette, two brothers Vincent Epps (Loren) and Charles Dean Rickette(Carla). As well as a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, Va. Final services and burial will be conducted by Brian Pickett Funeral Home at 5301 W. Madison Street, Chicago, IL. 773-413-7774.