Elvira Ruth Brown

Elvira Ruth Brown of Columbia, MD, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and sister departed this life on August 16, 2023. She was born on August 22, 1949, in Mannheim, Germany to the late John and Frieda (Cardano) Wilson. Elvira shared over 50 years of marriage with her husband Wallace E Brown, Jr. Together they raised five children, Elisa, Aaron, Lorien, Marlise, and Joshua; and were blessed with grandchildren Nandi, Jair, Asa, Leonie, Gabriel, Ella, Elijah, Julius, Jeremiah, ZeldaLee, and Isaiah. She is also survived by her siblings Monika, Linda, Joanne, and John. Elvira held her son-in-law and daughters-in-laws Erriel, Nicole, and Shirl; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family, close to her heart.

Formerly of Willingboro NJ, Elvira graduated from John F. Kennedy High School where she excelled in her academic studies and enjoyed cheerleading. She earned a Bachelor’s degree from Rowan University. She pursued graduate studies at Columbia University in NYC, Rutger’s University, New Brunswick, NJ, and George Washington University, Washington, D.C. Elvira completed her Master’s degree, with highest honors, at McDaniel College, Westminster, MD. Elvira began her career at the Educational Improvement Center in Princeton, NJ where, as the Regional Education Consultant, she developed and conducted creative training programs for teachers. She was a pioneer in developing Gifted and Talented curriculum. She went on to teach at All Saints school in Burlington, NJ. After moving to Maryland in 1999, Elvira began teaching at Howard County Public Schools. Elvira’s passion for encouraging students to not only master the fundamentals, but to realize their full potential as independent thinkers was unsurpassed. She was committed to incorporating history, current affairs, cultural diversity, and imagination in all her lessons. In her personal life, Elvira experimented with many outlets to express her artistic nature. She dabbled in music, sewing, stenciling, macrame, storytelling, and drawing. Her talents seemed endless. A devout Catholic, Elvira celebrated mass at Corpus Christi Church in Willingboro, NJ where she supported the Charismatic movement. After moving to Maryland, Elvira joined the St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church of Columbia. Of all her interests, Elvira was most happy in the company of her beloved family and friends. She always enjoyed sitting amongst us, with a pot of tea, simply laughing and talking.

A Visitation for Elvira will be held at the Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park, 7250 Washington Blvd, Elkridge, MD 21075 on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, August 24, 2023, 10:30 AM. Internment Meadowridge Memorial Park.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.garylkaufmanfuneralhome.com for the Brown family.