Bernice "Becky" A. Brown

Bernice A. Brown (nee Beckwith), age 90, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2018 at Willow Brook Court skilled nursing, part of Brittany Pointe Estates in Lansdale, PA. Bernice, known as Becky, and her husband, Russell Brown, were commissioned as American Baptist missionaries to Myanmar (formerly called Burma) from 1951 to 1959. They served Immanuel Baptist Church in Yangon (formerly called Rangoon), which hosted five ethnic services: Burmese, Chinese, English, Indian and the native Karen. Becky was an active volunteer and leader in her church, Calvary Baptist in Norristown, and community while raising four children. She was a sponsor to the church’s Junior & Senior High youth program, active in White Cross mission and the Roger Williams adult class. Becky and Russ volunteered weekly at the Monday WELCOME lunches the church provided for low income individuals in Norristown. In the 1960’s, Becky and Russ volunteered in a project to identify racist practices in real estate. Becky was active in 4-H and organized a 4-H sewing club in Norristown at New Hope Baptist Church teaching sewing to teenagers. Becky worked for Singer Sewing Company at the King of Prussia Mall teaching adult sewing when her children were in high school. Later, she worked at the Penn State Extension Services as a nutrition aide in Norristown, providing instruction on preparing nutritious meals at low cost. This work included in-home guidance as well as visiting preschools and Head Start Programs with her puppet to teach young children about foods for growing “big and strong.” Becky volunteered at the Norristown State Hospital and became involved with the Forteniter’s Club for which she served as Director for 21 years. The Forteniter’s Club hosts a weekly social gathering to support individuals who have had mental illness. In 2003 after retiring, she received the “Distinguished Community or Programmatic Leadership” award from the Montgomery County Mental Health Department. Becky is survived by her four children: Deborah McWee, Carol Ward, Larry Brown and Susan Trencher; 7 grandchildren: Andrea, Allison, David, Beth, Adele, Ashley and Justin; and 10 great-grandchildren. A celebration of her life service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Norristown on April 21, 2018 at 2:00 pm. Contributions in her memory may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 801 W. Marshall Street, Norristown, PA 19401, or to the Forteniter’s Club, PO Box 962, Norristown, PA 19404.