Edith Brown

The forever smiling Angel that walked on the Earth known as Edith Brown, was born to parents Leonard Watkins and Leitha Waters in Baltimore, MD on November 19, 1938. From an early age she demonstrated a unique spirit that grew into an avid love for God, family, friends and even strangers. Because of her pleasant spirit she was "adopted" and cared for by many women in her neighborhood. As a child she attended St. James United Methodist Church with one of her neighbors. She loved going to church and became very active. She accepted the Lord at an early age and attended multiple services on Sunday as well as services during the week. She even frequented a holiness church she would pass by on her way home from church. She loved praising the Lord. As a youth she sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, ushered and represented her church at district conferences and meetings. It was at one of the annual UMYF convocations that she met the love of her life, Ronald, "Lover" Brown. She fondly recounted the time when he went away to the military and came home to get her. They were married on February 20, 1960 at St. James UMC and became inseparable. From there the two of them embarked on a worldwide tour of love as they traveled to Texas, Alaska, Virginia, Turkey, Colorado, Guam, Massachusetts, Louisiana, and back to Baltimore with their four children. She would share how blessed she was to have "Lover" and how God had protected her and her family as they traveled. She always gave God the credit and the Glory. While traveling, Edith became active in churches on and off the bases, offering her beautiful voice to many choirs and performing groups. She volunteered with Family Services; an organization that helped families transition to a new base. She earned many awards for outstanding service and was recognized as Family Services Volunteer of the year at many bases where the family was stationed, as well as, for all military bases. Edith truly loved people and loved helping people. Family Services became one of the venues she used to make friends and council wives who were having difficulties. She worked with refugees who came to the base after the fall of Vietnam. Later in life she participated and led state and local chapters o ESA (Epsilon Sigma Alpha) who raised money for St. Jude Children's Hospital, Easter Seals and other local philanthropic agencies. Edith was known by many as their AVON lady and she truly embodied the beauty, poise, and grace of a beauty consultant. Not only did she provide goods to them she mostly loved sharing and visiting with them often providing a listening ear, prayers and words of wisdom. Sharing was truly the priority for Edith. Many who knew Edith fondly remember her extraordinary gift of singing. She studied voice and sang professionally with the Baltimore Municipal Opera Company, With One Voice Chorus, multiple church choirs and as a soloist in Baltimore and around the world. She loved music; all types of music. Whenever she was asked to sing, she did so with joy. Family Karaoke was a frequent event in the Brown household. Edith loved children. She taught Sunday school for many years and taught preschool in many of the places she lived. She loved teaching and seeing excitement in the eyes of her students. She frequently shared the story of one of her students Steven who was so excited to tell his mother on the first day of school, "My teacher's name is Mrs. Brown and shes's Brown." She often heard from her former students who shared how much they felt she loved them. She was truly the eternal cheerleader; always looking for the positive in everyone and every situation. Edith loved her family and sharing time with family and friends. Her infectious light drew people to her. She adored her children and grandchildren. She was always available to attend their events and celebrate their accomplishments with love envelopes. As she became ill and was less able to frequent her usual places, she was always greeted by warm hugs and comments about how she had been missed. Family members and friends began prayer vigils when she was diagnosed with a serious illness in September 2018. Throughout her many doctor visits and hospitalizations, she continued to be a positive light and witness to the grace of God. When asked how she was feeling her response was always "happy and blessed". Many of her caregivers remarked at her pleasant spirit even though she was very ill. She often prayed for them blessed them and always wished them well. She reminded them of the "Mighty God we serve". She was cared for by the family and briefly transferred to Gilchrist. The Lord decided to call her home on January 24, 2019 where she was reunited with her son Ronald Brown Jr. who proceeded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of 59 years Ronald Brown Sr., her three daughters Renee (Timothy), Robin (Alfred), Rossalyn (Truet), and a special son Christopher Jeter, her five grandchildren; Timothy, Christian, Titus, Cyrus, and Taylor, sisters-in-law, Johnnie Mae "Doll" Brown, Alverta Watkins, Ronnie Waters, special friend and sister, Glenda Denham and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.

Tributes

Edith Brown

November 19, 1938 - January 24, 2019