Geraldine S. Brown

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." II Timothy 4:7. Geraldine S. Brown was born in Houston, Texas on May 29, 1929 to the union of Jimmie Harland Smith and Mary Ellen Jackson Smith. She moved to Baton Rouge and was raised by her beloved grandmother, Mrs. Annie B. Taylor. She attended Perkins Elementary School where she completed the seventh grade. She graduated from McKinley High School May 1945 and enrolled at Southern University. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1949 in Vocational Home Economics and in 1958 she earned a Masters Degree in Education from Louisiana State University. On August 8, 1950, she married Leonard A. Brown. Gerri and Leonard were married for nearly sixty years until he passed on August 27, 2009. Mrs. Brown's career as an educator began in East Feliciana Parish at Riley Elementary School. She was later employed by East Baton Rouge Parish Schools at which she taught at Park Elementary and McKinley Sr. High. She also served as a Reading Teacher working at nine elementary schools. She became the Principal at Capitol Elementary School and later accepted the position of Principal at Parkview Elementary and served until her retirement in 1987. Throughout her career, Gerri attended staff development workshops and what was known as "PIP" in-service meetings. She also completed studies at Texas A&M University, Southern University and Louisiana State University. She was a member of Louisiana Retired Teacher's Association and Educators of Yesterday Association where she was elected as President for two terms. It would take a novel to document the many civic and humanitarian commitments for which Mrs. Brown volunteered and was willing to serve or lead. The scores of certificates she received in recognition for her superior performance, devotion, leadership abilities and service to the community are evidence of her service. She was initiated in Phi Delta Kappa at Southern University in May 1978 and within the thirty years of membership she acted as President and frequently received recognition for her performance in leadership, dedication and contributions. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for fifty-two years and served as President from 1967-1969 and chairperson of many committees. In 1981 she received recognition for Service on the Superintendent's Advisory Council on Desegregation. In 1983 received a "President's Award for Dedication & Leadership" from Baton Rouge Area Young Women's Christian Association. In 1985, honored as an "Outstanding Women Leader by the Association for Women Students, Southern University. In 2001 appointed to Honorary Mayor-President by the City of Baton Rouge; 2004 received "Name of Fame Award" from Louisiana Retired Teacher's Association; 2008 received "Certification of Recognition for Outstanding Achievement in Pursuit of Excellence" from The Excalibur Club. She was President Emeritus for the Louisiana Retired Teacher's Association. Her performance was recognized in serving the community by New St. John Baptist Church, Representatives of the State of Louisiana, City of Baton Rouge, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, YMCA Girl Scouts of America and AARP. A visitation will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021 from 4-7 pm at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70815. The visitation will resume on Saturday, September 25, 2021 from 8:30-10:30 am at New St. John Baptist Church, 1455 South Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70802. The funeral service will be private for family members only.