Phyllis Brown

PHYLLIS GERALDINE BROWN was the youngest daughter of the late David and Lillian Tolliver. She was affectionately known as "Bunny" to her family and friends. She was born October 7, 1930 in Baltimore, Maryland. Phyllis grew up in a closely knit household with her five sisters Bessie, Alyce, Helen, Virginia, Catherine and one brother Billie. Phyllis received her education in the Baltimore City Public Schools. She graduated from Douglas High School in 1949. She was recognized in the school's Hall Fame as a member of the first graduating class. Her devotion and love were also exemplified in her Christian life. She had a unique love for the Lord. Her Christian upbringing began at Morning Star Baptist Church. On October 14, 1950, she united in marriage to the late Rev. Dr. Leander Garfield Brown, Sr. From their union, Leander Garfield Brown, Jr. was born in 1952. She was employed at the Social Security Administration for many years. She retired in order to care for her adopted son Eric Wilson in 1977. Phyllis spent her life being a devoted wife and mother. In addition to being a nurturing caregiver for her own children, Phyllis spent decades being a second parent to children in her family, neighborhood and church. She founded a social club called the Modern Set. She and her best friends spent quality time having fun and reminiscing. She served as the First Lady at New Carmel Star Baptist Church for 35 years. Her auxiliary committees included The Flower Circle, the Golden Girls, Pastor's Aide, and the Fuel Club. She also sang on the Senior Choir. Her solo was Couldn't Keep It to Myself. She enjoyed family time with her relatives and friends. She especially like to host the 4th of July celebration at her home. She cherished traveling with her dearest friends Ed and Ann Massey. Her hearty laugh and talking with her eyes was a well-known trait to keep everyone in line. She blessed everyone she knew with her expressions of faith and trust in God. She consistently encouraged others to strive for unity, family bonding, and cohesiveness. After a lengthy illness, she departed this life on February 15, 2017 at Northwest Hospital. Phyllis was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Rev. Leander G. Brown Sr.; loving son. Leander G. Brown Jr.; siblings, Bessie Dunn, Alyce Myers, Helen Tolliver, Virginia Tolliver, Catherine Brown and William (Billy) Collins. She leaves to cherish her memory: her son, Eric Wilson; grandson, David M. Brown; great-grandsons, Gabriel and Michael C. Brown; daughter-in-law, Wanda R. Brown; lifelong friend, Mrs. Ann Massey; nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, friends, a host of sons, daughters, grandchildren in Christ, and numerous caretakers.

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Phyllis Brown

October 7, 1930 - February 15, 2017