A celebration of the life of
Shirley J. Brown
will occur on
Friday, November 21, 2025
Laurel Hill West Chapel
225 Belmont Avenue
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Viewing 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Service at 11:00 a.m.
Interment: Laurel Hill West Cemetery
OBITUARY
In Loving Memory of Shirley Jeanette (Miles) Brown
September 20, 1934 – November 11, 2025
Shirley Jeanette Brown, beloved mother, sister, aunt, educator, and community leader, transitioned
peacefully on November 11, 2025, at the age of ninety-one. Born in Philadelphia, PA, Shirley was the
second daughter of James Miles and Estelle Nickens. She and her older sister Beverly shared a bond
that would become a lifelong model of sisterhood, inspiring generations of women in their family and
community.
Shirley grew up in a caring household on 56th Street with her parents, Sister Beverly, and
grandmother, Bertha Miles ("Gramps"). Both Shirley and Beverly completed their studies at the
Philadelphia High School for Girls. Their parents instilled in them a deep respect for education, which
Shirley carried throughout her life. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education with a focus on
science at West Chester University and became a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
She later completed her master’s degree in education at Temple University. Shirley certainly
considered her greatest gift to be the birth of her only daughter, Twana Thomas Bagayoko, with her
first husband, Kenneth Thomas.
Shirley devoted over 40 years to the Philadelphia public school system, serving as a Science Education
Specialist at George Meade Elementary School. She co-founded the Philadelphia Area Elementary
Science Teachers Association (PAESTA) and served as its president, driven by her enthusiasm for
science and teaching. She led 4-H Clubs, created parent education programs, and earned awards such
as the Ruth Hayre Scholarship, recognition from the National Science Resources Center, and honors
from the City of Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives honored her as a resolute
professional and exemplary community leader.
Beyond her professional achievements, Shirley was a beacon of love and unity within her family. She
inspired many relatives to pursue careers in science and education, and she was known for her joyful
spirit, her devotion to family, and her cherished photo collages that preserved family history with
warmth and creativity.
Her cherished second husband, Charles M. Brown, passed away before her, as well as her sister
Beverly Tatum and brother-in-law John Tatum. She leaves behind a legacy of love and leadership,
survived by her daughter, Twana L. Thomas Bagayoko (Lee). During her marriage to Charles, Shirley’s
capacity for love grew as she welcomed a daughter, Lorna Brown Gordon (David), and a son, Gregory
Blair Brown (Shanda), into her life. In time, she also gained grandchildren: Loren Hicks Melendez,
William (Abdul Quddus) Hicks, and Lydia Noelle Brown.
Also, Shirley is survived by her siblings: Dr. Valerie Miles-Tribble, Honorable Judge Patricia Miles,
James Miles, Ronald Miles (Wanda), and Wesley Miles (Rhonda). Shirley’s memory will be treasured
by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews whose
lives she touched with her wisdom, warmth, and unwavering love.
Her legacy lives on in every child she taught, every family member she uplifted, and every photo she
lovingly preserved. Shirley’s life was a radiant testament to the power of education, family, and faith.
