Marjorie Phillips Brown

Marjorie Phillips Brown age 92 passed away Monday evening October 10 at the Ardmore on Main Convalescent Center in Ardmore, Tennessee. “Marge”, as she was known by her family, friends and fans was born January 13, 1919 in Pettusville, Alabama to Alice and Ben Phillips. She later moved to Elkmont, Alabama and subsequently to Athens, Alabama. It was in Athens where a change in jobs would project her into a household name in North Alabama. From the Sweet Sue Kitchens secretarial job she moved to help her uncle with the operations of WJMW, a fledging new radio station in Athens. Marge soon became ‘Aunt Marge’ reading children stories on the Meadow Gold Story Time in the early 50’s. In 1961 she took over the “Swap & Shop” program and was the voice of the on-the-air flea market for over 25 years. Throughout her life she was active in many worthwhile causes and organizations including The Sheriff’s Boys & Girls Ranch, The U. S. Coast Auxiliary, American Red Cross, The Limestone Farm Bureau and the Joe Wheeler Flotilla Christmas Parade. She was named to the Who’s Who of Distinguished American Women in 1981 and received other numerous awards and honors. She was a member of Central Church of Christ. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, W. Clint Brown, Sr.; two sisters: Mary Phillips Bailey of Athens, Alabama and Roe Phillips Shelton of Leoma, Tennessee; three step-children: W. Clint Brown, Jr, Sala Brown Strickland, and Clifford Joseph Brown; two nieces: Peggy Mayhall and Melesa Tommie of Athens, Alabama; two nephews: David Bailey and Joe Bailey of Athens, Alabama; five step-grandchildren: Britney Brown, Carly Wilkins, W. Clint Brown III, Kellie Caruth and Jesse Strickland; and two step-great-grandchildren: Adrianne Laxon and Chloe Neal. She was preceded in death by step-son Carl Brown and step-grandchild Sala Lindsey Strickland. Services will be held at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home Friday, October 14 at 11am with Jimmy Bassham officiating. Visitation will immediately preceding the service at 10am. Burial will be at Roselawn Cemetery in Athens. Pallbearers will be David Bailey, Clint Brown, Jr., Bo Carlile, Bill Dunnavant, Steve Tommie, and Dean Firestone. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be sent to: Alabama Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, 4450 Ligon Springs Road, Russellville, AL 35654.

Marjorie Phillips Brown

January 13, 1919 - October 10, 2011