Vickie Fay Blankinship Brown

In Loving Memory of Vickie Fay (Blankinship) Brown Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, and Friend Proud Texan | Devout Christian | Fierce Protector | Gentle Soul

Vickie Fay [Blankinship] Brown, age 74, of Ocean Springs, MS, was born on April 18, 1951, in Corpus Christi, TX, and passed away in her home during the early morning hours of October 20, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and unwavering devotion to those she held dear. She was the beloved wife of Burrell Newberry Brown III; cherished mother to Katrina (Brown) Reno; bonus mother to Burrell Newberry Brown IV, Melanie (Brown) Steenwyk, and Melissa Brown; and proud grandmother to Timothy Steenwyk, Stephen Steenwyk, Gabriel Steenwyk, Tristan Reno, Cayleigh Reno, and Samuel Brown. Vickie was preceded in death by her youngest grandson, Korbin Brown. To her children and siblings—William Blankinship, Valrie (Blankinship) Moss, and Vonnie (Blankinship) Zappa—Vickie was known affectionately as "Mama Bear." She was their protector, teacher, and the glue that held the family together. Her boundless love and deep loyalty made her not only a sister but a second mother, always putting others before herself. Vickie was a force of nature—passionate, fearless, and guided by a strong sense of justice. She fought tirelessly for what she believed in and was equally fierce in her care for anyone in need of a friend. Her warmth, kindness, and natural ability to make others feel seen and valued left a lasting impression on all who crossed her path. A devout Christian, Vickie built her life on the twin pillars of faith and family. Her Southern roots ran deep—she was a native-born Texan through and through, proud of her heritage, and full of fiery spirit. Yet behind that strength was a heart of gold and a soul so luminous that to know her was to love her. Vickie was an animal rights advocate and an avid lover of cats, always advocating for those without a voice. She was also a lifelong admirer of the arts, finding joy in musicals, operas, painting, and the craftsmanship of handmade furniture. Her hobbies included quilting, sewing, collecting antiques and unique jewelry. Her appreciation for beauty in all its forms reflected the depth of her own beautiful spirit. She is preceded in death by her loving parents, Vada Fay Rhodes Blankinship Baldree and William Ray “Bobby” Blankinship. To her immediate family, Vickie will forever be missed—until we meet again in the next life. Her shining example of strength in even the toughest of times, and her boundless compassion for all, will be instilled in our hearts every day. Her legacy will live on as we pass down her wisdom and the precious memories we share—of sewing, cooking, and gathering for the holidays wrapped in her love. Vickie’s absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and the countless lives she touched with her courage, grace, and unwavering love. Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Vickie Fay (Blankinship) Brown.