Isobonye "Soso" Allwell-Brown

Isobonye Allwell-Brown, “Soso”, 36, died peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on January 1, 2023.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, the Allwell-Brown’s moved to Somerville, New Jersey in 1991. Soso was a graduate of Somerville High School, Class of 2004. She attended Seton Hall University and began her career in banking, before settling to Johnson & Johnson in Raritan. She was a Business Operations Specialist who was instrumental in assuring operations ran smoothly and her organizational skills allowed her to excel in her role.

She had a natural artistic talent which transcribed into incredible drawings, an ability to decorate, and a love of fashion. She enjoyed dressing up, doing her makeup, and going out dancing. Her love of music went across many genres like Hip-Hop, R&B, Afro Beats, Soca and gospel and soul music gave her strength. Her love of God was above herself and she found faith in attending worship services at Harvest Ministry Community Church in Elizabeth. Soso always spoke her mind and was determined. She gained the respect of those around her by always assuring to make sure things were done right and fairly. Soso was a devoted mother, who loved her son Kevin and dedicated her life to assuring he was happy and healthy

In 2020, her life changed forever. After having some difficult shoulder pain and with the pandemic beginning to change the world around her, Soso was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. Her brave decision to undergo surgery and treatment led her to face the darkest times with the strength of her family and God around her. Health care facilities with no visitors and a society closed around her, she deepened her relationship with God and those who stood with her on the home front. Through this yearlong battle she was shown how she can turn this experience into an advocacy for others in this situation. Her determination allowed for her to be properly diagnosed and gain a little more time here on earth. She was a private person who shared her hardest times in hopes it helps to raise awareness for other women, especially women of color, whose concerns may be dismissed by doctors initially. Her message to speak up, say what’s on your mind, and stay determined is meant to be carried on to save lives.

Surviving are her cherished son, the light of her life, Kevin Ibim Butler, her loving mother, Joy B. Brown, her dear brother Ibikari Allwell-Brown and wife Selekumo Allwell-Brown, devoted sister Joy Allwell-Brown and spouse Travis Williams, her adored niece Karina Allwell-Brown, her loving aunts Margaret Gospel, Dr Liz Ikiriko-Onabowu, Bibi Ikiriko-Lloyd, uncles, Charles G. Ikiriko, Wife Isobo, dear cousins Ohboy and daughter Allegra, Marvin, Ashley, Gospel, William, Adokiye, Reg Jr., Victor, Osaki, Crystal, Dada, Sotonye, Somina, Jackie, Mimi, Vienna, Lulu, Bella and Mia, as well as many extended family, friends, and colleagues.

Family and friends are welcome to gather from 1:00 to 3:00PM on Saturday, January 14, 2022 at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue Somerville.

Prayer services will be held at 2:00PM by Harvest Ministry Church.