LaDonna Erving-Brown  also known as "Sweet-As-Suga" 

Her Life Journey...

LaDonna Erving-Brown, affectionately known as “Suga” or “Shugga” by most, and on Facebook as “Sweet-as-Suga”. was the baby and “third child is the charm” of the late Donna Laura Erving-Brown and John D. Dampier, in Chicago, Illinois, on October 31, 1979.  She was west side born and west side bred. Attending school from Riis Elementary to Marshall High School and studying at Robert Morris College as well as Harold Washington Community College, she set a great scholarly example for her nephews and niece. She was a fervent learner and especially talented in all things tech! Many of you got the first hook-up with the Amazon Fire Stick from LaDonna. Say, Amen, Somebody!!!

She began her walk of faith at Spirit of Truth Baptist Church under Pastor Robert L. Patterson and continued with attendance at Rock of Ages Baptist Church under Pastor Marvin E. Wiley until her health declined. She accepted Christ, by letter to The Rock, because she was intimidated by the crowds on Sunday. That was her way. Not trying to make a big fuss, but determined to make her life better. Even during her seven years battle with cancer, she continued to edify her spirit and soul by doing what she loved on Sundays - listening to any broadcasts she could find of Pastor Donald Parson and others – while cooking a fabulous meal or making her delectable chocolate cake that was passed down by her Momma which was a much in demand favorite of the Erving Family.

As she built her career at Heartland Alliance, she became known as the go-to-person for the residents of Roosevelt Square and her team members. Although for years she lived just a few blocks away from Heartland, her punctuality was legendary! She may have shown up late many days, but her spirit and the sunshine she brought daily into the office was always right on time. She was so unbothered. Yet, she would listen to the concerns of the tenants and did her best to mediate a resolution or offer resources. Her coworkers couldn’t imagine a day without her showing up to the office to get the party and laughs started. She proudly built a reputation of respect and influence in her position as Program Assistant over the years with Heartland. Her desk was the proverbial water cooler and gathering place. People were drawn to her. Everyone who knew her, remarked that she was a beautiful person and so sweet, hence the nickname, Suga. To know her, was to love her. Her beauty transcended outer beauty, for she had a beautiful spirit. Her inner light radiated brightly and her beautiful character was kind, welcoming, and loving.

As the baby of the family, she was sheltered and shielded from the harsh realities of life. In 2012, she met her soulmate in Frank K. Lyles, III. He was fortunate enough to past the muster of her Momma and he has never left her side. She had a huge heart for people and kittens. She became a cat mom in 2015 to Thomas and Dee Dee, born on June 02. The same day she got her wings. She also adopted Mouse as a favor to her big sister – because she could never say no when it came to a cat or kitten in need or her sister or brother.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention her wonderful sense of humor and uncanny wit. Her comedic quality could even be seen through her struggles with Cancer. She’d often say “This Cancer just won’t let me be great.” But her humor always came with a smile and the effort to keep on fighting. At Rush Medical Center, she was known as a Warrior – she never stopped fighting. Never ever.

On Sunday, June 02, 2019, at 8:04 pm, she stepped in the ring for her final round and gave up the fight…she took God’s hand as He led her to her heavenly home to be reunited with her Momma, Donna, and her beloved pets: Possum and Coogi. Not to mention a cadre of Erving folks waiting at the stairway to heaven to usher her on home.

Well done, Suga. Well done.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Donna Laura Erving-Brown; grandparents, Will and Ruby Erving; and her beloved nephew, Demecio McCaster; LaDonna leaves to cherish her beautiful memories: her soulmate, Frank K. Lyles, III: her sister, Barbara (Lee) Erving; her brother, Bobby (Zanda) Erving-Brown; her uncle, Walter (Barbara) Erving; her aunt, Climmie James; her nephews, Virgil Glynn Vaughan, Julius Donte Erving, and Jeremy Gabriel Harris; and niece, Ashley Lasha Brown: she was a great aunt to: Juliyah Erving, Jahi Erving, Antonio Cortez Gambrell, Ashton Montez Gambrell, and Virgil Glynn Vaughan II. A special brother-in-love, Jimmie Arthur Sanders; A loving mother-in-love, Karen Williams: Her Shugga Squad: DeShea Johnson, Chris Erving, Meme Braboy, Debra Williams, Charles Erving, Charity Nelson, Renee Harris, CaSundra Jordan, Jakeysha Williams, Nakeysha Williams, Delilah Blue, Sharon Span, Mrs. Norah Jackson, Ms. Anne Dawson, and Mama Desiree Davidson. As well as a host of first cousins, colleagues, Misters cousins, Erving cousins, and great friends from ABLA and Roosevelt Square.