Obituary of Shirley Ann Brown

Shirley Ann Brown, (nee Smith), of Pitman, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior peacefully on April 3, 2024. She was 86 years old. Shirley was born in south Philadelphia on June 29, 1937 to the late Walter T. Smith, Sr. and Mae Smith, (nee Esher). Mom enjoyed telling stories about her life growing up "down the neck." In 1950, her family moved to a home built by her father in Mt. Ephraim, NJ. She attended Audubon high school, where she made many new friends and began attending Mt. Ephraim Baptist church, which she continued to attend until a few weeks before her passing. In 1956, she moved back to south Philadelphia, where she began working at Curtis Publishing Company. She made many life-long friends, whom she has to this day. In August 1960, she met the love of her life, Allison E. Brown, (Bud), who predeceased her on November 12, 2008, on a blind date set up by her sister, Lillian. They became engaged in December 1960 and were married in Mt. Ephraim Baptist Church on May 6, 1961. They moved into their house in Pitman, where she resided until her passing. Shirley and her sisters took turns hosting the Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day family dinners. Shirley would decorate the house, set a beautiful table, plan a menu, shop for the food, prepare the food, and serve a delicious meal, while making the task look effortless. Her Christmas cookie schedule began right after Thanksgiving weekend. Shirley was known for making delicious cookies by the dozens. Many relatives and friends were recipients of a delicious tray during a visit. She spent weeks decorating the house for the holiday. Shirley and Bud enjoyed taking their children on road trips throughout the United States and to Niagara Falls. Together, they traveled to Europe, Brazil, embarked on several cruises, in the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, and Alaska and bus trips throughout the United States. Many times, their numerous friends joined them. ? Shirley enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She found joy in all of their activities and making memories with them. In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was predeceased by her brother, Walter T. (Ted) Smith, Jr. in 1995, and her step-father, William A. Cathcart in 1975. She was a loving mother to Rich (Laura) Brown, David (Stephanie) Brown, Kim (Steve) Cobb and was a loving grandmother to Ethan and Luke Cobb, and Jude, Gus, and Lily Brown. She is survived by her sisters, Joan Young and Lillian Hewett, and numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends. A Memorial Service will be held at Mt. Ephraim Baptist Church, 25 S. Black Horse Pike, Mt. Ephraim, NJ on June 29, 2024. Visitation will begin at 10 AM with services at 11 AM. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her memory sent to Mt. Ephraim Baptist Church 25 S. Black Horse Pike, Mt. Ephraim, NJ 08059.?