Iris C. Brandon

IRIS CHRISTINE DOLES BRANDON was the beloved daughter of the late Augustus Doles, Jr. and Iola Washington Doles. She was born on Friday, January 2, 1925 in Chuckatuck, Virginia. She was the third of four children. When she was two years old, the family moved to Baltimore, Maryland.Christine was joined in Holy Matrimony with Matthew Brandon and out of this union five children were born: Carolyn, Matthew Jr., Denise, Eleanor, and Tanya. She was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She loved her children, but had a special love for her “grands.” Spending time with her family was very important to her. She introduced her family to God before they were ready for school. She made her children learn the Lord’s Prayer and the Twenty-third Psalm before they learned their ABC’S. Good morals and values were a must in the Brandon household. Her motto was “charity begins at home and spreads abroad.” Psalms was her favorite book of the Bible.Christine received her formal education from Baltimore City Public Schools and was a graduate of Dunbar High School. She was proud to be an alumnus of Dunbar. Beyond her formal education she was fluent in Greek and very knowledgeable in Biology and many other subjects. She was a hard worker. She was employed as a “Rosie the Riveter” at Glen L. Martin working on B-29 bombers during World War II. Miss Chris was the first Black cashier in the Tin Mill cafeteria at Bethlehem Steel Sparrows Point. In 1965, she became and entrepreneur and opened Chris’ Grocery located at Broadway and Preston Street. In 1975, she received a plaque honoring her for service as the Past Worthy Matron of the Adah Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, Baltimore, Maryland.Christine was affectionately called many names because of her kind and giving spirit. She was called Momma, “Miss Chris,” Aunt Teenie, “Bea Gaddy of North Avenue” to name a few. If ever you wanted a down-home cooked meal or was just plain hungry, you could stop by Miss Chris’ kitchen. She never wanted to see anyone hungry. She was always ready to lend a helping hand and always willing to share whatever she had. Her sense of humor and way with words will surely be missed. Christine accepted Christ at and early age and became member of New Shiloh Baptist Church of Turners Station. As an adult she changed her membership to Southern Baptist Church. When she could no longer attend church, her children shared tapes and CD’s of services with her allowing her to continue to hear the preached Word of God.Christine departed this life peacefully on Friday, July 14, 2006 surrounded by her loving children. She leaves to cherish her memory: her devoted children; Carolyn Taylor, Matthew (Bugs) Brandon Jr., Denise (LaVerne) Brandon, Eleanor (Dee Dee) Bennett, and Tanya (Noonie) Tanner; one sister, Lorraine Williams; one brother-in-law, Calvin Brandon; three sons-in-law, Norman Taylor Sr., Thomas Bennett Sr., and Carl Tanner Sr.; one daughter-in-law, Geraldine Brandon; two special cousins, Effie Brinkley and Mary McClinton; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Tributes

Iris C. Brandon

January 2, 1925 - July 14, 2006