Marjorie E. (Brown) Phares, 100, died October 19, 2026 at Ashford Place Health Campus.
She was born in Madison County in April of 1926 to Floyd and Irene (Cushman) Brown. She grew up in Miami County and graduated from Butler Township School in 1943. Her graduating class totaled just six students. After graduation she attended Western Union School and upon completion was assigned to the Shelbyville office in 1945.
She married Warren G Phares in July 1946. After taking time off to raise their five children, Marjorie returned to the workforce in 1966 as secretary to the purchasing department at KCL Corporation where she worked until retiring in 1986.
Marjorie was a member of the First Baptist Church for over sixty years serving as a deaconess; as well as various positions with their women’s group and other needed ministries. She also was a member of the American Baptist Women’s Ministries; Shelby County Church Women United, where she held several leadership roles; Junior Coterie and Order of Eastern Star Naamah Chapter #73.
She enjoyed reading, music - especially Gospel and Big Band - crossword and word search puzzles and bird watching. Her favorite activity was tending to her yard and flowers as well as her numerous bird feeders. Over the years family and friends enjoyed her delicious homemade fruit pies.
Marjorie is survived by her five children; sons George (Martha) Phares of Kokomo, Mike (Debby) Phares of Princeton and Jeffrey (Peggy) of Shelbyville; daughters, Lisa Goodman of Nolensville TN and Lori (Mike) Werling of Marion. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren and twenty-four great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; brothers Eugene, Russell, Richard and Edwin Brown; sister E. Willadean O’Neal; grandson David Phares and great granddaughter Marjorie Faye Willis.
Visitation will be Friday, October 23 11:00 am-1:00 pm at Glenn E George and Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road. Funeral services will be immediately following visitation at the funeral home, with Pastor Robert Haehl, First Baptist Church, officiating.
Burial will be in Bennett Cemetery in Shelby County.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the General Fund of First Baptist Church or to the donor’s charity of choice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.glennegeorgeandson.com
