Erica Latrese Brown was born on November 20, 1977, in Chicago, IL, to two doting parents Glenda K. Brown and Larry Ladd. Erica was her mothers' fifth child. At an early age, she went to live with her maternal grandmother, "affectionately known as Grandma Lovie" along with her mother and three siblings to "The Beverly Area in Chicago". She grew up in a loving extended family that consisted of her grandmother, mother and siblings as well as her aunt and cousins in a close-knit community. Erica gave her life to Christ at an early age and later became a member of the New Promise Land Baptist church. 

Erica did not allow childhood adversity to deter her from completing her education or pursuing a career advocating for young people. Erica graduated from Alice L. Barnard Elementary School. She attended and graduated from Morgan Park High School in June 1995. Erica excelled in her studies and attended Northern Illinois University. But later graduated from Chicago State University with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work.

Erica started a beautiful family of her own giving birth to a daughter, R'Leecia and later a son, De'von. She also enjoyed being a grandmother to her three precious grandchildren Layla, Logan, and Lola. She spent her life, instilling wisdom, knowledge and sharing love with all her children and grandchildren. Erica continued to play a pivotal role in the lives of her extended family too. She often attended family functions, participated in events and traveled with family. Whether it was buying gifts, planning Birthday parties or hosting guests for the holidays, family was her first priority.

While attending CSU, she worked as a counselor with the Chicago Park District. Upon graduation, Erica interned and later worked for Holy Cross Hospital as a Patient Services Representative. Post graduation, she worked for Star House as a Social Worker for at risk youth. She also worked as an Advocate providing support services to domestic violence victims for a nonprofit. Later, Erica pursued a career as a Teacher working for Small Strides Preschool for a few years. Most recently, she returned to her passion of social work as Director of Family Rescue Support Services before the program ended due to funding. Erica took pride in her work using her intellect to provide innovative ideas and creative solutions to meet the demands of her clients, students, and employers.

Erica was beloved by everyone. She had a charismatic personality that allowed her to develop lasting relationships with anyone. She was the favorite daughter, amazing mother, cherished sister, popular cousin, adored niece, awesome best friend, desired girlfriend and a beautiful person. Her authenticity allowed her to genuinely encourage and persuade others to enjoy life while ceasing moments of her own. Erica greatly impacted all those who knew her from living a life of purpose.

Erica transitioned from this life early Sunday Morning August 16, 2020. She was preceded in death by her Mother, Glenda K. Brown, Brothers, Earl and Louis, Grandfather Pete Brown, Grandmother Almercha Rita Ladd, Uncle's Norris Brown, Louis Welch, Sam and Cookie Ladd, Aunt Gwen Ladd, Great-Grandmother Susie Halcomb, Brother-In-Law Chuck Gleese and countless Great-Aunts and Great-Uncle's as well as Cousins. She leaves behind a Daughter R'Leecia Carroll, a Son De'von Brown, Father Larry Ladd, Grandchildren Layla, Logan, and Lola, Siblings Kimberly, Michael Sr.(Cecilia) and Lil. Lovie, Grandmother Lovie Collins, Aunt Gail Brown, Uncle's Michael Jamison, Allen and Sandy Ladd (Louise) 3 Nieces, Kiriah, Mercedes, Madison and 3 Nephews, Azairean, Michael Jr., Matthew and Cousins Kingston , Felicia , Capton, Paul III, and Chevez and a Host of family and friends.