Mrs. Mary Ellen Phillips Brown, the last girl born on Hog Island, of Willis Wharf, was promoted to glory on May 1, 2023, at the age of 84. She was born to John and Pearl Powell Phillips, becoming an aunt to two the moment she came into this world. Probably much to the relief of her parents, she was the last of nine children. She was the first in the family to graduate from high school becoming the 1957 valedictorian of Northampton High School.
Mary Ellen moved to Washington, D.C. to work for the CIA. She met her dear Donald and they had two sons, Donald Jr. and Matthew. The boys grown, Donald and Mary Ellen moved to Willis Wharf to live out their retirement years. They joined Maranatha Baptist Church.
When younger, Mary Ellen loved traveling, helping out at church, giving dinner parties, all get-togethers, baking, and family. She had a weakness for limousines.
In addition to her sons, she is survived by two grandsons; a great- grandson; a great-granddaughter; 10 nieces; four nephews; 34 great-nieces; 29 great-nephews; 22 great-great-nieces; 30 great-great-nephews; three great-great-great-nieces; and three great-great-great-nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald; three brothers, Labon, Granville, and Morrison; five sisters, Mae, Ruby, Nora, Sadie, and Marion; seven nieces and six nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 3 p.m. at Doughty Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Muender officiating. Interment will follow in Belle Haven Cemetery. Family will join friends at the funeral home Friday evening from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and again Saturday one hour prior to the service. In lieu of funeral flowers, please send flowers to someone living whom you love.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore.
