The Honorable Catherine Brown

“Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom. Psalm 90:12

The Honorable Catherine A. Brown, 83, was born on August 5, 1935 to Sadie and James Wilson in NYC. She completed her earthly mission and answered the call of our Almighty Father in her home on Saturday, June 8, 2019.

Catherine was raised in a loving family where the riches were not material but were instead the values of love of family, community, church and education.  Catherine was the only girl of the four children. At an early age she was a pioneer in her academic achievements and attained recognition in arenas where there were few African Americans or women.  As an adult she received her master’s degree from Hunter College in New York City.

Catherine was an excellent educator, communicator and advocate.  She was principled, persistent, outspoken and not above making her presence known to ensure that ALL rights were respected.

Catherine was a caring, creative, diligent and an attentive teacher. In her 23 years as an educator in NYC and 12 years at Sarah Peyton Elementary School in Marion, Maryland, she was interested in ensuring that all students received an educational foundation so that they could succeed in life. She was also a member of the Board of Directors at one of our prestigious local HBCU’S at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland. She was also a longtime member of the National Retired Teachers Association, and AARP.

Catherine had a great love of reading and desire to pass that love on. Catherine always ensured that her classroom and home were filled with books, magazines and newspapers.

Catherine Brown relocated to Crisfield, Md with her late second husband, Roland Brown, Sr. She was a positive role model and a pillar of strength for the residents of Crisfield, Maryland. She worked an additional 12 years as a dedicated educator for Somerset County Public Schools.  She was appointed as a City Council member in 1992 to complete her husband’s term after his death.  She was re-elected in 1994, 1998 and again in 2002 and served as City Council member until 2006.  While serving as City Council Vice President in 1998, Catherine was appointed to complete the term of Mayor from May to June, when the current Mayor passed away.  Some of the signature legislation during her tenure resulted in public transportation for Crisfield, public access and use of beach front park land and ensuring that the interest of the discounted and forgotten whose voices were not usually heard were fairly represented.

Catherine was a former City Council member and a Board Member of the Maryland Somerset County NAACP who was destined to make a change. She was a member of the historic Somerset Six who coordinated an effort to get the “No Representation Without Population Act” passed in 2010.

Catherine was an active and prominent citizen of her adopted town. She wore many many hats. As a member of St. Paul AME Church she was Mother, Protem of the Trustee Board, Finance Steward and served on multiple committees. She loved educating and nurturing children as the President of “It Takes a Village to Help OUR Children Inc.” She served on the board at McCready Health. She was a long time and faithful member of Light of Crisfield Temple #86, IBPOEW, Inc., Bessie Leonard and Ethel K. Jews Past Daughter Rulers Council, Tri-State Association Past State Presidents Council, Past Grand Daughter Rulers Council and the Eastern Shore Past Grand Daughter Rulers Circle. In addition, she belonged to many educational organizations and served on multiple boards, committees and other literacy based programs.

Through sharing her love with each of us, she still found time to remain committed to family, friends, travel and playing the piano. Catherine loved to make memories and telling all about her life experiences.

Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in times to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:25 -26. Catherine Brown was a true jewel; brilliant reflection of strength, honor, wisdom and kindness; and will greatly be missed.

Catherine leaves to cherish her memories, her children, Margot J. Williams, Vashty (Mario Hall) Basyahweh; Roland Brown, Jr. and Ravene Brown; six grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and a host of family, friends, adopted loved ones and associates.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Retired Master Sargent Roland Brown, Sr.; three brothers, Walter, Samuel and Joseph Wilson

A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Crisfield High School and Academy in Crisfield with a viewing one hour prior.  A viewing will also be held 6:00 – 8:00 PM Friday, June 14, 2019 at St. Paul A,M.E. Church in Crisfield.

Ceremonial Rites will be be performed by Light of Crisfield Temple#86 (Elks) at 7:00 PM.

Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations to be made to St. Paul A.M.E. Church and It Takes a Village in Crisfield.