Beryl G. Estes-Brown

Beryl G. Brown was born September 25, 1914 in Los Angeles, California. She was raised in Highland Park by her parents, Albert and Mabel Wilimzig. She described her childhood as filled with loving and memorable times. She was the middle one of three daughters. Older sister Leora Gerritson preceded her in death, and her "baby sister "Alberta Henson still lives in Texas. She also had a brother, Leonard, who died at 3 years old. Beryl remembered being a tomboy and very athletic. She loved to fly kites, play basketball, and bowl. Her mother worked at the school cafeteria, while her father, who did not have much education, worked his way up through the Los Angeles Fire Department and became a captain of Engine 12 on Figueroa Avenue in Highland Park. She remembers her parents as being wonderful and understanding parents.

Beryl attended Franklin High School and later went to L.A. Junior College. Soon after, Beryl landed her first job at Kresge Company's Five and Dime store on Figueroa Avenue.

At the age of 20, following a two year courtship, she married Lloyd C. Estes, who lived down the street from her and whom she met at the Highland Ave Baptist Church. During the Depression, they soon moved to Sacramento because Lloyd had been laid off and could find work with his brothers in Sacramento. They lived there about 9 years. While there, Sharon Mae was born in 1937, followed by Beverly Jean in 1940. They finally moved West Ave. 42 in Eagle Rock, and surprise, surprise, Diane Marie was born in 1948. Sharon remembers Mom bringing infant Diane to the big front window to show her off to Sharon and Beverly's school friends. Beryl and Lloyd moved to Palmero Dr., where they lived and enjoyed 33 years of marriage until his death in 1967. Beryl remained in the home she shared with Lloyd for one year and then moved to an apartment on Colorado Blvd.

Occidental Presbyterian Church was always an important part of Beryl's life. She worked as the church secretary for over five years. It was there that Beryl and Lloyd had met fellow church members Orval Franklin Brown and his wife Marguerite. The couples had visited each other's homes on occasion over the years. When Marguerite died a few months after Lloyd, Beryl and Orval had their loss of spouses in common. Their first date was to a Dodger baseball game, and Beryl noted that the Dodgers won! Diane, who was living in Detroit, Michigan at the time, remembers her mother calling her as she fretted about what she should wear on her "first date". Married on Valentine's Day, 1969, the families easily merged. Beryl now had three stepchildren, Linda, Larry, and Dean. She also gained six new grandchildren. She was warmly welcomed by the Brown family and always felt genuinely a part of their family.

Beryl's hobbies included crafting, sewing, cooking, and some gardening, especially orchids. She spent many years volunteering 8 hours a week at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles in the gift shop. Beryl and Orval enjoyed traveling to many different countries but also spent a great deal of time with Beryl's sister Alberta and her husband Red. How they loved to fish!

Beryl and Orval resided happily at 2526 Kerwin Place in Eagle Rock. In the fall of 2006 they decided to sell their home and move into Regency Park Astoria in Pasadena because they felt it was the best place for them to be. They live there only a short time before Orval passed away in 2007. Beryl lived a total of 12 years at Regency Park Astoria. She always said she was in a good place, surrounded by good people. She was well loved by her caregivers and she will be missed.

Beryl celebrated her 103rd birthday on September 25, 2017. She often stated that she never thought she would live to be 103. Strong willed and opinionated, she could be described as "feisty" at times. She had a great sense of humor and a positive outlook on life. Beryl attributed her long life to keeping her life well balanced, relying on her faith, and keeping a happy heart. When asked what she attributed her long life to she also said, "being silly and always feeling loved. I think there is a reason why I have been on earth for so long, but I am not sure what it is. Maybe there is something I have yet to accomplish."

Beryl Brown was an amazing woman. She has left this world a better place. There are 66 family members and many friends who have been blessed by her life.