Ethel Davis (Edie) Brown's Obituary
April 17, 1927 – July 3, 2021
“Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.” Proverbs 3:17
Ethel Davis (Edie) Adams was born April 17, 1927 in Bonham, Texas, to True Wise and Ethel Davis Adams. She was their third child, following twins Billy and Sadie. She died at home surrounded by her family on July 3, 2021, at the age of 94.
Edie met the love of her life, Phil Brown, when she was a junior at Bonham High. Phil was a senior at the time and upon his graduation, he joined the Navy. Although they weren’t engaged, Edie promised she wouldn’t marry anyone else while he was gone. She saved all the letters he wrote to her while in the service.
Edie was Salutatorian of her graduating class at Bonham High in 1944 and began attending UNT in Denton along with her two siblings. She worked in the college print shop as a proofreader to help her parents defray the cost of paying tuition for all three children at the same time. To this end, she had also promised her mother and daddy that she’d graduate in only three years, and she not only kept her promise, she graduated with honors.
While Edie was still in college, Phil returned from the Pacific and enrolled at UNT. They married on September 5th, 1947, the beginning of a 73-year journey together, holding hands and cherishing one another. They honeymooned in New Orleans with about $30 to last them to the end of the month.
Edie and Phil moved to Garland, Texas in 1951, where they resided for the rest of their lives. Edie was an excellent home manager. She watched the finances and either saved first or did without, keeping them debt-free since 1948. Edie was a devoted wife and mother who would cheerfully do anything for her husband and children. Their home was always a happy and welcoming place for family and friends to gather.
Edie was always steadfast in her faith. She and Phil were founding members of Monica Park Christian Church and remained active members for 65 years. Edie was a long-time member of the choir and participated in the women’s fellowship group. In the early 1990s, she asked Phil if they could start a youth camp scholarship. He agreed, and that scholarship continues today, having helped dozens of youth attend summer church camp. Over the years, Edie was a dedicated volunteer for the Salesmanship Club, working in the transportation department at the Byron Nelson Golf Tournament. Edie was a gifted artist who, after taking a community course in painting, produced many beautiful oil
paintings throughout the 1970s and 1980s. She was a voracious reader and book club member. She was a grateful cancer survivor. She and Phil were able to share many happy times with family and friends at their ranch near Rociada, New Mexico.
Edie’s faith in God never wavered; she believed her faith made her a kinder person, and she was one of the kindest and sweetest people we have ever known. Throughout her life, she faced every situation with a positive attitude, a good sense of humor, perseverance, and a selfless caring for others. Her kind and gentle ways were limitless. Even as she battled Alzheimer’s over the last few years, her beautiful personality continued to shine through and inspire us. She was able to praise God in song until the end, still remembering the words to her favorite hymns. She said of her life, “The blessings have been many.”
Edie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 73 years, Phil Brown. She is survived by their sons Phillip and Neel; daughters-in-law Leslie, Lisa, and Chay; grandsons Taylor, True, and Will; and great-grandchildren Kaylee, Nolan, and Tycho.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Phil and Edie Brown Playground Fund at Monica Park Christian Church, 2600 Broadway Blvd., Garland, TX, 75041
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