Mrs. Brown

   The Coconut Grove Crisis Food Pantry is honored to celebrate the life and legacy of Fredericka Simmons Brown—one of our Trailblazer Volunteers, a beloved elder, and an influence in our community. Her example inspires us.

   We knew her with affection and great respect, and we never called her Fredericka. It was always simply Mrs. Brown. She bore witness to nearly a century of change—and through it all, she stood with quiet strength, calling for justice... with compassion, dignity, and kindness. Even in her nineties, she was still showing up—every single Tuesday morning—to pack grocery bags for neighbors in need. We are quite sure that she had the best attendance record of any volunteer in our history.

   That was Mrs. Brown: steady, humble, and generous.

   As you know, she was born and raised in Coconut Grove and carried with her its stories, struggles, and joys. Her recollections painted vivid pictures of the resilience of a tight-knit community, and she shared them freely—with humor and wisdom. Many of her stories have been carefully recorded, preserving a precious history that might otherwise have been lost.

   Mrs. Brown began volunteering at the Pantry more than 40 years ago, when David and Tessie White and members of Christ Episcopal Church recognized a growing need and planted the seeds of our food pantry. In those early days, she helped pack bags for the homebound and welcomed clients who came to select food for themselves. From the beginning, she was a cornerstone—reliable and dependable.

   And she remained so. Every Tuesday—right up until the week before her passing—Mrs. Brown arrived, always with Parnice, one of her twin daughters, to quietly pack over 30 bags of groceries for our neighbors. As the day began, she would always lead us in a brief prayer, asking for blessings on those we serve and strength for the work ahead. No matter what our backgrounds, her words grounded us and reminded us of why we were there.

   Mrs. Brown was also fierce and feisty. This tiny lady could hold her own in any situation! She was confident and steadfast in her beliefs. She was our favorite spokesperson for the Pantry, and she knew exactly what to say when sharing our mission with others. Always thanking God for guiding her way.

   Her voice. Her stories. Her presence. They reminded us of what it truly means to serve.

   We will miss her deeply, but we carry her with us—in every bag we pack, every act of kindness we offer, every moment we come together in service. Mrs. Brown’s legacy is alive in the Pantry she helped build, and in the love she poured into it every week. She will always be part of our Pantry family.

   Please join us in honoring that legacy and keeping it alive.