Emma Gene "Fritz" Brown

Emma Gene "Fritz" Ayers Brown, Tarpon Springs, Fla., formerly of Clarks Summit, died March 21 after a brief illness. Her husband is David L. Brown. The couple married in 1990. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Clyde L. Ayers Sr., in 1983.

Born in Clarks Summit, daughter of the late Lee B. and Myrtle Kittle Kimble, she was a former member of Milwaukee United Methodist Church. Known for her talent as a gifted seamstress, she formerly worked for the Holly Lane Shop in Clarks Summit, Berg's Boutique and Scranton Fabric Center, as well as the Elks Club of Scranton.

Fritz was a self-made woman with a sharp wit. Everyone who knew her admired her determination and intellect, and her ability to rise to any occasion ignoring any physical limitations.

Also surviving are a son, Clyde L. Ayers Jr. and wife, Darlene, Gibbstown, N.J.; a daughter, Deborah and husband, Clay LaCoe Jr., Clarks Summit; two stepsons, David and Bart Brown; two stepdaughters, Susan Ayers and Renee Emanuel; a brother, Edward R. Kimble, Tunkhannock; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Marsha Dukauskas; two brothers, Roger and Earl Kimble; and a sister, Lucille Jane Kimble.

A memorial service will be Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit.

The family will receive friends from 1 until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VNA Hospice, 301 Delaware St., Olyphant, PA 18447; or Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 400 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes Barre, PA 18702.