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A Testament to The Life of Gwendolyn L. Frost Brown"

Gwendolyn L. (Frost) Brown , ACSW, CMSW was born December 6, 1948, at John Gaston Hospital in Memphis Tennessee to L.C. and Hattie Mae Frost. She peacefully departed this earthly home Sunday, May 12th, 2024, surrounded by her beloved husband John and loved ones. She is preceded in death by her Father L.C and Mother Hattie Mae, as well as her beloved kitties Max, Meu, & Dev.

Gwen gave her life to Christ at an early age, and was an active member, Eucharistic minister, and lector at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, in Cordova Tennessee.

Growing up in South Memphis she attended Riverview Elementary School, and was a member of the class of 1966 at George Washington Carver High. She then received a full Band Scholarship to Morris Brown College in Atlanta GA where she played the clarinet. While in college she was inducted into the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. on December 14th, 1968.  Gwendolyn matriculated in 1970 with a Bachelor in Arts & Social Work.  After completing her studies, she went on to be trained and employed by TWA (Trans World Airlines) and was one of the first African American Airline Stewardesses. During that time, she was able to nurture her love of travelling, especially to her favorite country, Switzerland. After moving back home to Memphis in the early 70's she began work with the Department of Human Services. She went on to attend The University of Tennessee School of Social Work and graduated with her MSW. Upon completion she began to work as an Oncology Social Worker at the UT Cancer Clinic.

Gwen is the Founder and CEO Emeritus of the Urban Health Education and Support Services Foundation (Carin'& Sharin' Cancer Support Group). Her career has included working as an oncology social worker, a Center for Disease Control cancer project coordinator for West Tennessee, and assistant professor at the UT School of Social Work.  Mrs. Brown has authored publications and has been a co-investigator for research efforts at the UT School of Nursing, UT Preventive Medicine, and the U of M, at Kansas City, UT School of Social Work, at Nashville & Middle Tennessee State University, and the University of Notre Dame.

The Intercultural Cancer Council housed at Baylor College of Medicine selected Mrs. Brown to receive its 2014 Dorothy I. Height Community Advocacy Award.  The award is given to an outstanding individual who has worked tirelessly with cancer survivors. December 9, 2017, was declared Gwen Brown Day by the Tennessee legislature in honor and recognition of her work.  She was part of many organizations including LINKS and American Cancer Society.

Gwen was loved and respected by many for her known and unknown kind deeds and acts of kindness and generosity. She loved to dance, entertain, travel, and party at MARDI GRAS every year. She will be truly missed but her legacy will live on through the cherished memories, and the lives of the many people she touched.

She leaves behind her beloved husband of 37 years, John M. Brown, daughters Donna Shaw (David) of Massachusetts, Kimberly Richardson of Englewood Co, Ashli Brown (Ronnie) of Olive Branch MS, & son Jeremiah Blackwell of Memphis, Tenn. Along with numerous families, friends, and loved ones.

"For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord; whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lords." Romans 14:8

Acknowledgements

"A mirror reflects a woman's face, but who she is can really be shown by the people she has influenced. The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those whom you closely associate whether good or bad. We believe that God created our Gwendolyn as an example to make many lives greater and successful. Her warm smile, and unconditional love, her words of encouragement, will forever be treasured in our hearts.

Our family would like to express our gratitude for the loving and gentle caring of Gwen.  Thank you to, Unity Home Health Care and Crossroads Hospice and Palliative care.  But, most especially to these special caregivers Tenny, Ursula, LaVonda, Christina and Angela. We couldn't have done it without you.

The family would also like to thank you for every thought, kind word, call text, and prayer. We ask that you continue to lift us up to God