Phyllis Brown

Affectionately called “The Queen” “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” ~ 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV) Phyllis Ann Brown was the second daughter of the late Esaias Brown and Emma Morrow Brown Dawkins of Charlotte, North Carolina. In recent years, she learned the name Phyllis was bestowed in honor of a maternal ancestor. Phyllis attended Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and graduated with honors from Second Ward High School in 1964. While attending Second Ward, she participated in extracurricular activities which included being a majorette in the Tiger Marching Band and singing in the school choir. Also, while in high school, she joined The Charlotte Harmonetts (gospel group). The group was once offered a career with the James Cleveland Singers. During her senior year, Phyllis was selected to be “Miss Queen City Gazette.” After graduating from high school, Phyllis moved to Baltimore for several years and worked at Rosewood State Hospital. Returning to Charlotte, Phyllis joined the East Stonewall African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. There she participated in Sunday school and joined the Voices of Hope Choir under the leadership of the late great Joseph Walker. Phyllis was one of the soloists. For many years, Phyllis was employed by Charlotte Memorial Hospital and Pine Lake Country Club until her health began to decline. Phyllis enjoyed attending family gatherings and reunions. In her later years, she enjoyed attending Ray’s Playze Adult Day Care Center. Phyllis was proceeded in death by five siblings: Donald and Ronald Brown, Gloria B. Mallory, Geneal B. Frazier Gregory, and John Keith Dawkins. Phyllis is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Joy Brown-Blakeney (Carlos) of Columbus, Georgia; two grandchildren, Aniyah Perry and Carlos, Jr. of Columbus, Georgia; two sisters, Pamela B. Miller of Baltimore, Maryland and Carliss B. Parks of Charlotte, North Carolina; two nieces, Carliss “KoCo” Mackins of Charlotte, North Carolina and Monique Miller of Baltimore, Maryland; one nephew, Corey Frazier (Chante) of Savannah, Georgia; a devoted uncle, John T. Neal, Sr. of Charlotte, North Carolina; and a host of loving cousins and friends.