Ophelia Brewer

Ophelia Brewer, 86, of Chicago, Illinois, peacefully transitioned from this life on February 12, 2026.

Ophelia was born on March 18, 1939, in Marianna, Arkansas, to Leroy Lanier and Searcy Lee Puckett. At a young age, she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior and remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life. She loved the Lord wholeheartedly and ministered His Word to everyone she encountered. Her faith was bold, unwavering, and evident in both her words and her actions.

On December 9, 1955, at just 16 years old, Ophelia married John Benjamin Brewer in Arkansas. Their union was blessed with four sons and two daughters, and together they built a legacy rooted in faith, love, and family.

Ophelia was a woman of strength, wisdom, and deep spiritual conviction. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother whose prayers covered her family daily. She was also known for her amazing cooking — her kitchen was a gathering place filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable meals. In addition to her cooking, Ophelia loved to sing. Whether in church, at home, or among family, her voice carried joy, praise, and comfort.

Ophelia was preceded in death by her husband, John Benjamin Brewer; her father, Leroy Lanier; her mother, Searcy Lee Puckett; her brothers, Tillman Lanier, Leroy “Tom” Lanier, and William Lanier; and her sisters, Odesa Lanier and Searcy Lanier.

Ophelia was a dedicated mother who treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She leaves to cherish her loving memory her six children: Wilbert Brewer (Lee); Barbara Norment (Ivan); Curtis Brewer, whose wife, Cynthia, preceded him in death; Searcy Gardner (Albert); Johnathan Brewer (Penny); and Dwayne Brewer (Meloney); along with her beloved grandchildren: Eugene Norment, Shawn Norment, Nickia Greene, Natasha Simpson, Ivan Norment, Jonathan Johnson, Damion Brewer, Gerrald Brewer, Chanice Brewer, James Ross III, Tierra Brown, Clorissa Medina, Corey Brewer, Kenneth Brewer, Cameron Brewer, Searcy Lovett, Brittany Lovett, Kimberly Lovett, Daquawn Bruce, and Logan Brewer; her cherished great-grandchildren; her treasured great-great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Ophelia was a beloved matriarch. She was known for her kindness, wisdom, and her ability to make everyone feel special. She was the heart of her family, creating a warm and welcoming home for all. Her legacy of faith, love, song, and devotion will live on for generations to come.