Ophelia B. Maldonado was born on January 22, 1960 to Oliver and Nettie Brown.  Raised in North Fairmount, she was the eldest of nine children.  She was a lovely and strict big sister but also loving.  In her earlier years, she worked with children at Emmanuel Daycare and as a Certified Nurse's Aide at Little Sisters of the Poor.  One of her greatest accomplishments was taking people into her home and caring for them.  She was known for having family gatherings at her home.  You could always talk to her, and she was never judgemental.

She was very family oriented. She took in four nieces and nephews before giving birth to her own child, Ezekiel Gardner.  She remained a great mother to Ciara and Melvin Hopkins.  Her favorite hobbies were going to bingo, playing cards and hanging with family.  She loved karate films which she enjoyed watching with her brother.  She had a joyous laugh that everyone will miss.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her mother, Nettie Brown; one uncle, Larry Brown; one aunt, Marilyn Brown; two sons, Ezekiel and Melvin; daughter, Ciara; grandchildren, James and Jecaunna; brother, Orville Brown; six sisters, Octavia Colbert, Odetta Black, Overton Brown, Omega Hopkins, Lisa Murphy and Joanne Brown along with many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.