Marion Marie Brown-Mercadel was born on July 17, 1934 in New Orleans, LA to the union of the late Edna Roth Brown and Joseph Noel Brown, Sr. She transitioned peacefully in her sleep at home due to natural causes on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 85 years of age. Marion was educated at Corpus Christi Catholic School in the 7th ward of New Orleans. She worked in the Hospitality/Restaurant industry and owned a barbecue/seafood restaurant in the 7th ward which added to the exclusivity of the small black-owned businesses in the community. She truly enjoyed traveling as long as it was with family, assisting in raising her grandchildren, gardening, crocheting, floral designing, interior decorating, singing "16" candles to her loved ones for their birthday and cooking for family gatherings. Marion was a truly dedicated mother who worked non-stop and adopted those who were in need of her motherly love. She did so much with so little but "Found a way to do it and get it done." No matter how much need she may have been in, she never looked for someone to give to her, she always worked to give. Her love for Christ and family truly was her saving grace. She enjoyed her second home, California, in which she would seek refuge and enjoyment. Being blessed with traveling to New York, Hawaii, Nevada, Tennessee, Atlanta, Texas, Arizona, Mississippi, Arkansas, Florida, and taking many cruises to the Bahamas. Her personality was one that was larger than life and she always left an impression on those whom she encountered on a daily basis. She never met a stranger! Marion will be greatly missed by many family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances. Mother, we will always honor you! In addition to her parents, Mrs. Mercadel is also preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Mercadel; Siblings, Margaret (Andrew) Webster, Veronica (Warren) St. Thomas, Clara (Melvin) Eddington, Edward "Poppy" Brown and Rosemary Doty. Survivors include her long time companion, Edward Wiltz, Sr; Beloved children, Angela Mercadel and Dr. Robert Mercadel; stepchildren, Brenda, Edward, Jr. "Bubble," Don and Eric Wiltz; six grandchildren, Khristian S. Mercadel (Atlanta, GA), Brittany A. McCain, Gabriael R. McCain, Trinity S. McCain, Alexandra E. Mercadel and Robert Elliot Mercadel; one great- grandchild, Lyric A. Smith; Loving sisters, Mercedes Johnson and Yvonne (Don) Lear (N.O. LA); thirteen step grandchildren, as well as a host of other relatives and friends. A Celebration of life honoring Marion Marie Brown Mercadel will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 2022 St. Bernard Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70116 on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at 10 am. Interment Lake Lawn Cemetery, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, Metairie, LA 70124. Visitation 8:30 am in the church. Everyone in attendance is asked to adhere to all COVID 19 restrictions by practicing social distancing and wearing a mask.