Lillian Delois Brown

Lillian Delois was the seventh child born to Fontella & Ike Johnson on September 2, 1937. She was born and raised in Birmingham AL. Her life reflected her love of God, family and education. She was educated in the Birmingham public schools. At 3 years old her older sister got tired of her daily asking her to read a book to her, so she taught Lillian how to read. Lillin has always been known to speak her mind. When she was 3 years old she took a train trip with her parents to Detroit. Her father asked the porter to bring him a cup of coffee, she added, “Bring me some of that d… coffee too!” She attended AME Zion Church of Birmingham where she dedicated her life to the Lord. Her father, Ike Johnson, was a math genius. Apparently she inherited his smarts because she excelled in school & was advanced twice to graduate high school at 15 years old. She had to wait a year to attend college because you had to be 16 years old. Lillian attended Alabama State College in Birmingham studying Elementary Education. By her 2nd year, she was engaged, which didn’t please her mom. So her mom sent her to be with her sister in San Diego

to attend SDSU.

Not long after arriving in San Diego she met the love of her life, Henry Brown Jr. He told her she’ll need to send her engagement ring back because she was going to marry him! Lilly said she loved how Henry always spoke about their future life. They were married a year later and settled in his home in Oakland with his family. The first 6 children were born in Oakland, Tracy was born in Guam. After Henry’s tour of duty to Guam, he relocated back to San Diego. Lilly’s first job was at St. Stephen’s preschool. Soon after she was employed by San Diego Unified School District at Fulton Elementary until she retired. Initially

she was a Teacher’s assistant, then as Director of the school ‘s Magnet Reading program. She retired when Kim was expecting her first grandchild, Pablo, to provide childcare for him. She remained as a childcare provider for 25 years. Several of her families were her former students and Teachers from Fulton. It was said you always knew where you stood with Mrs. Brown! She was an honest person who would help anyone in need.

Lillian was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Henry Brown, Jr., her sons, Troy Brown and Henry Brown, III., her by her parents & 6 of her 9 siblings. She leaves to cherish her memory her sister Theresa Ellis, Fairburn, GA, children, Kim Ceniceros, of Escondido, CA, Kenneth Brown, of Oakland, CA, Valerie Brown, of Bremerton WA, Vanessa (Miguel) Espinal, of Fontana, CA, Tracy (Shay) Brown, of Manteca, CA. She has 12 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and a village of nephews, nieces, cousins, friends & neighbors.