Delores Brown

Delores Brown (née Payne) 85, died peacefully on October 7, 2022 at her home in Wayne, Pennsylvania.  She was born on September 23, 1937 in Washington, DC to the loving Christian family of Delilah (née Robinson) and Morris Payne.  She was the fifth of seven children born to this union. Delores moved to Media, Pennsylvania at the age of ten after the untimely death of her mother.  She was lovingly accepted into the home of Bessie and Allen Dalton.  She was forever thankful for the blessing of their generosity, love and support.

Delores spent her early childhood years in Washington, D.C. and had many fond memories; among them were the frequent visits to the local museums and historical attractions on the weekends. Her love of history began there and continued to be a strong interest throughout her life.  Even in the last days of her life, she had a stack of books near her and was often finishing a book every other day, history being her favorite. Delores was a Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia Eagles fan.  Her family has fond memories of her enthusiastic cheering, especially while watching the Eagles. She was known for her delicious coleslaw recipe, and her macaroni and cheese recipe.  Perhaps her greatest and most revered culinary achievement were her chocolate chip cookies which sometimes had to travel many miles and across states to meet the demand. She was a yearly visitor to the Philadelphia Flower Show. Her descriptions of the beauty and intricacies of the displays demonstrated her deep appreciation and awe for the pageantry of the event.   In her later years, she took quite an interest in visual arts and cherished the items she collected from local artists. She was a dedicated exercise enthusiast throughout her life and was attending exercise classes at least twice a week until the onset of COVID-19 restrictions. Above all, her greatest treasure, focus and concern were her family, friends, neighbors, former neighbors and relatives near and far. When asked why she worried about people so much her answer was always, “Mothers are supposed to worry!”

Delores retired from Sears-Roebuck after many years of working on the retail side of the business in the Toy Department, and after going back to school, on the corporate side of the business in the Finance department.  She had fond memories and enjoyed the people that she worked with during the heyday of Sears, making many lifelong friends during her career.

Delores married Seth Brown in 1954 and they lived in Wayne for their entire married lives.  She loved her home and making a home for her children, Valerie, Patricia, Pamela, and Seth. In addition to her children, she leaves to rejoice in her memory, sons-in-law, Melvin and Donald; daughter-in-law, Carole; grandchildren, Dedra, Matthew (Jessica), Donald, Arielle, Seth, and Samuel , and one great-granddaughter, Saniya; in addition, brother, John (Lisa) Payne; Sisters-in-law, Phyllis (Leonard) Payne, Judy (Melvin) Payne, and Reverend Edith Payne and her many nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her husband Seth; siblings, Leonard (Phyllis) Payne, Morris Payne, Reverend Edward (Florene) Payne, Reverend Melvin (Judy) Payne and Barbara McKnight (née Payne) and Lancess (Barbara) McKnight.

There will be a Visitation 10:00-11:00 AM Friday, November 25, 2022 followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 366 West Lancaster Ave. Wayne, PA 19087. Telephone: 610-989-9600. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a repast following the Memorial Service at Radnor Township Civic Association (RTCA), 248 Highland Ave. Wayne, PA 19087.

The family wishes to thank all of the people that assisted in her care, sent food and gifts, visited, wrote, phoned, and inquired about Delores’ well-being during her illness. She was very appreciative of your thoughtfulness and concern.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made in Delores’ name to organizations she supported:

• PBS station WHYY at www.whyy.org or 215-351-0511
• Indian Valley Public Library at www.ivpl.org or Indian Valley Public Library 100 East Church Ave. Telford, PA 18969 Margie Stern- Director Ph#215-723-9109 ext.102