Thelma A. Brown

LIFE PROFILE

THE OVERVIEW
Mrs. Thelma Phipps Armstrong Brown of 160 West Fulton St., Alcoa, Tennessee entered into eternal life
on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at her home. She had been employed by the City of Alcoa as an Educator.
She devoted many years of dedicated service. Thelma was loved because of her outgoing personality
and was endowed with one of the fruits of the spirit, Kindness.

EARLY CHILDHOOD
Born in New Market, Tennessee on February 4, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs.
Harry Phipps, Sr. and was later adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Elliot Armstrong. Thelma attended Sunrise
School. Her family moved to Alcoa where she attended and graduated from Hall High School.

FORMAL EDUCATION
Thelma attended Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio and Knoxville College, where she obtained
a BS Degree in Education. She obtained additional education certifications from the University of
Tennessee.

FAMILY
She was married to Fred Douglas Brown, Jr. for more than 50 years. In 1957, Douglas Alexander was
born. He quickly became the joy of their lives. They traveled to Indiana, Ohio and cross country to
California. On many trips, Mrs. Emma Armstrong accompanied them.

PROFESSIONAL
Prior to Thelma joining Alcoa School System, she taught at Campbell High School in Rockwood, TN.
Craigs Chapel in Greenback, TN and Charles M. Hall. She also taught Adult Education in Blount and
Knox County. She traveled throughout the Country with youth groups to Mexico, Sweden and Norway.

CHURH AFFLIATIONS
Thelma joined St. Paul at the age of 14. She became very active in the church. She was a Sunday teacher,
in the Missionary Society, the Gospel Choir Director, on the Stewardess Board, served as president of
the Lay Organization, was a Trustee and member of the Usher Board.

SURVIVORS
Mrs. Brown is survived by her son, Douglas Brown, Alcoa; God Daughter and God Son, Rochelle and
Conner Carr, Maryville, nieces and nephews, The Ronald Moore Family, Indianapolis, IN, the Ledford,
Phipps and Batts Families, Jefferson City, the Thomas and McDaniels families of Knoxville. Sister-in-Law,
Mary Phipps, Devoted Cousins, Dorothy Mynatt, Audrey Lawrence, and Helen Long. Loving and
Supportive friend, Sonja G. Armstrong, and the “Birthday Girls!”

Family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul AME Church, Alcoa on Saturday April 29,
2023 with funeral service to follow. Interment will be at Cedar Lawn Cemetery following the service.