Soror B. Thelma Brown
We were saddened to hear that our beloved Soror B. Thelma Brown passed away Sunday, February 14, 2010. Thelma pledged Delta on April 27, 1986 through Williamsburg Alumnae Chapter as one of the “Bakers Dozen.”
Thelma was born on October 28, 1930 in New Kent County, Virginia she was the oldest of six children. After graduating from New Kent County public schools she attended Virginia State University and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1952. She completed futher studies at The College of William and Mary, Hampton University, Old Dominion University, Christopher Newport University and Longwood College.
Thelma was an educator for more than 39 years in Charles City County and York County, Virginia. She taught at numerous elementary schools in these counties and was named, Teacher of the Year, in York County in 1991. During her teaching career she served on many curriculum development and accreditation committees. Upon retirement in September 1991 she began substitute teaching in York County and was presented with the “Apple Achievement Award” in recognition of her acts of excellence. Thelma was not just a teacher but a person of value touching the lives of children and making a difference in their development.
Thelma was an active member of St John Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia serving on the following church organizations: Trustee Board, Finance Committee, Adult Ministries Group, Altar Guild, Busy Bee Hostess Club, Pastor’s Aide Club, Newsletter, Funeral Committee, Wedding Committee, and Vacation Bible School.
She was also affiliated with the Williamsburg Chapter of the Virginia State Alumni Association, the Williamsburg Chapter of the National Black Child Development Institute, life member of the NAACP and volunteer for First Night Williamsburg.
In addition to her parents Thelma was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Charles. She leaves her daughter, Carol D. Brown of Spring Lake, NC and a host of relatives and friends.
Sorors remember Thelma:
"She will be missed by all of us who remember her as “gracious, loving, caring, stunning, and a soror who loved her sisters” as quoted by many that I have spoken to. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family at this time. May she rest in peace with her beloved husband, Charles."
-Angela
“I would always ask her "Where did you get those shoes"? We all will deeply miss her.”
-Sylvia
“As one of the Baker's Dozen, I will truly miss her. My line sister may be gone, but she will always remain in my heart and will never be forgotten.
May she rest in peace.”
-Portia"She was a classy, stylish lady who always had a kind word when you needed it. You could rely on Thelma to be there for the chapter with a warm presence and genuine desire to help. We shared many hours together on committee work and riding to out of town Delta events. May God be with her family and friends; she will be missed she was loved"
-Ginger
"My heart is still so heavy, so I can only imagine how the chapter is feeling. I always looked forward to seeing Thelma's smiling face. She always had a beautiful smile and something sweet to say. She was the epitome of a lady."
-Carolyn J.
I would describe B. Thelma Brown as a LADY.
A wife, mother, sister, sister in law, aunt
A teacher, an educator, an instructor, a guardian of that which is right and good.
A Christian; A DELTA
She had such a lovely spirit, a gracious presence, and an elegance about her that could not be denied. She was committed to her church, her family and least of all, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Williamsburg Chapter. She was serious about Williamsburg Alumnae, make no mistake about that. Whenever and wherever possible, she attended every DST event, unless it conflicted with her church or her family.
She was one of The Baker’s Dozen in 1986. If she weren’t, she should have been Angel Food Cake. I am sure it was not by coincidence that her pyramid line name would have something to do with pie, cake or candy because sweets were her favorite. At our Delta events, Thelma would forego a meal as long as she could have dessert.
A sweet smile was her symbol. Although she was only human like the rest of us, I don’t think I ever saw her be disagreeable. She could be pensive or thoughtful, but not negative. She was encouraging, optimistic, hopeful, never critical or demeaning.
Talk about “STYLE,” the lady had no rival. She was the epitome of fashion. She always looked good from her head to her toes. Whatever the occasion, Thelma was flawless.
You couldn’t walk anywhere in Williamsburg with Thelma without at least one of her former students stopping her for a big hug. They new she really cared. She left that impression.
If it sounds like she was admired and adored, then you have gotten my point. I have never met a nicer person and I feel privileged to have known B. Thelma Brown.
-Alvene
Williamsburg Alumnae Chapter PO Box 2293 Williamsburg, VA 23185 gingerdst@gmail.com
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