Obituary of Barbara J Brown

Barbara Jane Brown, beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend to all was born on Wednesday, September 9, 1943 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Howard and Laura Fossett of Baltimore, MD. She departed this life on Thursday, February 11, 2021. Barbara was educated in the Baltimore City public school system. She graduated from Frederick Douglas High School in 1962. On November 20, 1964 Barbara was united in Holy Matrimony to Mason Thomas Brown, and of this union three children, Anthony, Cassandra and Lamont were born. Barbara and Thomas were always in lock step, especially with their decision for Barbara to retire from Lever Brothers Company in 1972. Barbara spent infinite time at Woodmoor Elementary and Woodlawn Junior High School where she pushed for advanced placement and arts programs, developed relationships with educators and parents that would mold young lives and support her and Thomas' goal of having their children graduate from college. Barbara and her beloved husband, Thomas, traveled to Montreal in 1976. It was one of the few trips they would take without their three young children. After Barbara's beloved Thomas passed, Saturday, August 1, 1992, and her kids graduated college, Barbara rekindled her love for travel and the arts joining All God' Children, a local black arts club and traveled the country supporting and enjoying the arts. She and her adult children would travel throughout China, Greece, & London in and around the time of the Olympics. There were other trips to include Israel, South Africa, and locations within the U.S. By this time Barbara had become bicoastal. She spent winters in Los Angeles, and/or wherever her kids were. The beach was a favorite place. When in California, she woke to yoga before it was popular and had daily, morning five-mile walks to Newport Beach. She walked so much that a Blockbuster Video employee startled her one morning by running towards her expressing his concern and worry when she missed the previous day's walk. Barbara did this despite having life-long circulation problems that would cause her feet to swell stating, "that is what ice is for." At times, the swelling forced her to be still and rest those legs. That's when she would reach for her needle point and crochet beautiful blankets for those in her favor: a blanket for you, one for you, and what color would you like? If there was music, Barbara would find her way to the dance floor. She lived as she danced and that would be to her own beat, a joyous, lively melody, and for that we were each blessed to have known, loved and be loved by her. Barbara maintained a daily, quiet, and private morning routine of rising early to reach for and read her Bible. Barbara accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized at the Wayland Baptist Church early in her life. After scripture she would do yoga. Now she was ready for her day. Her life had a rhythm. There was a time for everything. Winters were spent in California. But come April, there would be an Easter meal and a flight back to Baltimore for it was time to prepare the garden. She tried everything, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, peppers, lettuce, blueberries, figs, pear trees, and sunflowers. And OH!!! the sunflowers. The squirrels really liked the sunflowers. Barbara also was an excellent cook and baker, generally knowing baked recipes without the need of cookbooks and always sharing with family, friends and neighbors. Even though Barbara battled with Alzheimer's disease, she did not lose her positive nature, passion for life and her love and care for others. She leaves to mourn and cherish her precious memory: three children, Anthony Brown, Cassandra Brown, and Lamont Brown; one daughter-in-law, Teresa Brown; one granddaughter, Leah Walker; four sisters, Betty Fossett, Katherine Moore, Patricia Wilson, Carolyn Bourne; two brothers, Melvin Fossett, George Fossett; seven sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law, and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives, cousins and friends. Services will be private, the family appericates the kind thoughts and prayers. In lieu of flowers/gifts please consider making a contribution to the Alzheimer's Association, act.alz.org, click donate and at tribute gift is greatly appreciated.