Phyllis Ann Brown

Phyllis Ann Brown, 91, of Greenwood, DE passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at home surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of the late Mildred and Irvin O’Day.

Growing up, Phyllis had 9 siblings, and she loved to help out on the family farm. Phyllis was a 1952 graduate of Greenwood High School, where she played on the basketball team. Phyllis enjoyed dancing in her younger years, and was known for her jitterbug. Phyllis worked for Delaware Mills and the DuPont Co. She later went to work on the factory line at Playtex, where she retired from. She was an active member of the Denton (MD) Church of the Brethren. Phyllis and her husband Brownie enjoyed a wonderful life together. Their son Dale was born the first year they were married, and their daughter Dina was born 12 years later. They often spent their free time going to auctions, flea markets, and antique stores. Phyllis was most passionate about spending time with her family, whether it was the yearly summer vacations with the kids, shopping together, day trips to the beach/boardwalk, or going to her grandchildren’s baseball games. She was known to enjoy a good meal, cooked at home or out to a restaurant, and she never missed her weekly hair appointment. Later in life Phyllis liked to put puzzles together, and her favorite thing was thrifting at Goodwill and other local stores with family and friends. Phyllis was a caring person who often helped others. She was a giver, and whenever she came to visit, she did not come empty handed. She was known for making Christmas a special time for her family. Phyllis will always be remembered by those who loved her for her strength and giving spirit.

In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Watson Franklin Brown; son, Franklin Dale Brown; sisters, Thelma O’Day, Joyce Davis, Jeannie Marker, and Tishie VanVorst.

She is survived by her daughter, Dina Wright (Shawn); grandchildren, Chastity A. Harvey (Billy Jr), Isaac Lewis, Derek Lewis; great grandchildren, Billy Harvey III, Dylan Harvey, Heather Harvey; siblings, Doris Ross, Paul O’Day, Janet Williams, Lois Pritchett, Linda Horne; sister-in-law, Gladys VanVorst; cousins, and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Hwy., Harrington, DE. A visitation will take place beginning at 11:30 AM. Interment will take place at Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington, DE. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Phyllis’s honor to Denton Church of the Brethren (MD), Camp Mardela (Denton, MD), Meals on Wheels of Milton, DE, Lions Club of Milton, DE, or The Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements have been entrusted the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, Inc, Harrington, DE.