Lillie Mae Wafer - Brown

Mrs. Lillie Mae Wafer Brown was born September 17, 1927 in Homer, Louisiana, to the late Roy and Emmie T. Wafer. She was the eldest of three daughters and preceded in death by her sisters, Bernice Jones and Kathryn Wafer. In 1948, her family relocated to Dallas, Texas, where she would grow, learn, and dedicate her life to education, faith, and service to others.

Mrs. Brown received her formal education in the Dallas Independent School District and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Dallas, Texas. She continued her academic journey at Bishop College in Dallas, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics in August 1965. She later completed six additional hours of coursework through Prairie View Extension in Dallas.

Committed to lifelong learning, Mrs. Brown earned a Master of Education degree from Texas Woman’s University, majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Special Education. She further expanded her knowledge and skills through professional and enrichment studies at the Real Estate Career College (January 1981), the American National Red Cross (Basic Life Support Course, 1980), Cedar Valley College (Calligraphy Course, November 1988), and attended Southern Bible Institute for four years.

Mrs. Brown began her distinguished career in education in 1965 as a substitute teacher in Hamilton Park, Dallas, Texas. In 1966, she joined the Dallas Independent School District, where she faithfully served until her retirement in 1994. Her teaching career began at George Washington Carver Elementary School and spanned nearly three decades of devoted service to students and families.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Brown held numerous leadership roles, including Chairperson for Grades 1–3 from 1975 to 1985, where she was responsible for planning, ordering supplies, and coordinating programs. She served as Lead Teacher for CARE H, participated in B.J.’s Reading Program (1986–1987), and served as an IRT for the A Priori Reading Program beginning in 1988. She was also Chairperson for the PTA Carnival and was named First Runner-Up for Teacher of the Year. Her excellence was further recognized with Teacher of the Year honors (1990–1991), a District Award (1994), and a Retirement Award upon concluding her service.

Beyond her professional career, Mrs. Brown was deeply committed to community service. From 1968 to 1980, she served as a Den Mother with the Boy Scouts of America, transporting and supporting youth at camps, events, and activities. In December 1979, she received the prestigious Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor awarded to adult volunteers by the Boy Scouts of America, along with numerous Certificates of Appreciation and the District Award of Merit. In 1976, she also served her community as a Census Taker.

Mrs. Brown was a lifelong volunteer, generously giving her time to the African American Museum, Oak Cliff Food Bank, and Meals on Wheels. She often prepared meals for the sick and supported families in need. At the time of her passing, she remained affiliated with numerous organizations, including AARP, A Sister’s Gift, the American Cancer Society, Make-A-Wish Foundation, MADD, March of Dimes, Kidney Foundation, and Easter Seals.

A woman of deep faith, First Lady Emeritus Lillie Brown Wafer was the devoted wife of the late Rev. C. D. Brown, founder and organizer of Leath Street Missionary Baptist Church in 1962. She faithfully labored alongside her husband in ministry for many years. Her family continues this legacy of service through her son, Rev. Paul W. Brown, Sr., who serves as Pastor of Leath Street Missionary Baptist Church.

Within the church, First Lady Brown served tirelessly in numerous ministries. She was Superintendent of Sunday School for over 28 years, a member of the C. D. Brown Inspirational Choir, musician for Sunday School, Director of the Baptist Training Union (BTU), and an organizer of Vacation Bible School. She also founded and sponsored Senior Citizens’ Day, served as Chair of the Sunday School and BTU Musical, sang in the Sanctuary Choir, conducted new member orientation classes, and taught the Senior Mission. She additionally served as Assistant Director of BTU and Vacation Bible School. Her leadership and love for God’s people left an indelible mark on the church.

Beyond the church, Mrs. Brown was inducted into Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Chapter, Dallas, Texas, in 1983. She served faithfully at the local, regional, and national levels, holding numerous offices including Chatelain, Guard, Historian, First Vice President, President, Finance Secretary, Assistant Chatelain, Assistant Secretary, Keeper of Peace, and Correspondence Secretary. She also served as a Regional Officer.

Mrs. Brown actively attended Regional and National Executive Board meetings in cities including Fort Worth, Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans, and Detroit. She participated

in multiple Southern Regional Biennial Conferences across the country and attended numerous Boules, further demonstrating her dedication to leadership and fellowship. Her service was recognized with many plaques, certificates, trophies, and Sorority of the Year honors. Through her artistic talents, she helped her chapter earn several first- and second-place awards and personally won first place twice in the Haney Dallas Pageant at Regional Conferences.

Mrs. Brown also received numerous certificates recognizing her commitment to religious education, including awards from the National Baptist Sunday School and Baptist Training Union Congress and the Church Fellowship Foundation. Her creative talents were further recognized with a Certificate of Achievement from Ann Koa Floral Design Studio in Dallas.

In her personal life, Mrs. Brown enjoyed sewing, gardening, fishing, floral design, and writing. She joyfully volunteered wherever there was a need and lived by her guiding motto, “Not for ourselves, but for others.” She often expressed her gratitude to God, saying, “I thank God for all He has done for me.” Her favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me”—was a reflection of her daily walk of faith.

First Lady Emeritus Lillie Brown was the loving mother and stepmother of six sons: Rev. Paul W. Brown; the late Paul E. Brown; Roy Brown; Sammie Brown; the late Curtis “Butch” Brown; and Kavin Brown; and six daughters: the late Ada Kathryn Warren; the late Curtis Jean Brown; Willena “Red” Halton; Marsha Roberts; Carolyn Bacon; and Janice Floyd Rattler.

She was blessed with three beloved grandchildren—Phillip (Topaiza), Paul Jr. (Vicki), and Darien (Ashley)—and four treasured great-grandchildren: Braeden, Bria, Darien Jr., and Matthew. She also leaves to cherish her memory a host of nieces, nephews, special grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

First Lady Emeritus Lillie Mae Wafer Brown’s life was a testimony of faith, leadership, compassion, and selfless service. Her legacy will continue to live on through her family, her church, and all those whose lives were touched by her remarkable journey.