Obituary of Robert Brown

Dr. Robert Brown, Jr., an educator, was born on October 15, 1932 in Dallas to the late Robert and Elzena Hill Brown. He was the third of four children from this union. He was educated in the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) and graduated in 1949 from Lincoln High School. During high school he met and later married the late Paula S. Brown, who was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. Robert continued his education by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics (minor in chemistry) from Huston Tillotson, in Austin, Texas, a Master’s degree from North Texas State College (now known as University of North Texas) in Denton, Texas and a Doctorate of Education in Administration and Supervision from Nova University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Robert was fluent in Spanish and would serve as a translator with the Spanish speaking population in the DISD when needed. Dr. Brown was the ultimate educator who unselfishly dedicated his career to public education. He began his teaching career as a Mathematics teacher in Sulfur Springs, Texas. He later moved to Dallas where he continued his teaching career at Sequoyah Junior High School. He later served as assistant principal at H. S. Thompson Elementary School until he was selected as principal of Roger Q. Mills Elementary and Boude Storey Junior High School. From there he held the position of Director/Principal of Paul L. Dunbar Community Learning Center in 1972. During reorganization in the District, Robert was appointed as Director Area IV where he supervised the work of principals in his area. He continued in this role with stops in the Southwest Sub-District office, Sub-District III Secondary Schools and Districtwide Secondary School Operations. He completed his career as Assistant Superintendent of Personnel until his retirement in 1989. After retirement Robert continued to work in the education field as a teacher with the GED program in Garland, Texas. He was given a proclamation from the office of the mayor for his success in preparing over 200 students in achieving their GED diplomas. Robert’s unique style, skills, courage and tenacity made him an educator extraordinaire. Robert was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi and served as the 20th Polemarch of the Dallas Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Incorporated. He was inducted into the African American Educators “Hall of Fame” in 2008. He was involved with the Dallas Big Brothers. He received a resolution from the State of Texas Textbook Marketing Education Committee, and was a member of Phi Delta Kappa. In his spare time, he enjoyed being a member of the “Brown Bombers” bowling team. He was also a member of the Couples Club of Dallas. Robert passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at the age of 86. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Paula Brown, his daughter, Robbie Brown-Johnson, and his sister Elsa Mae Embry. Robert leaves to mourn: three sons, Michael (Cindy) of Dallas, David (Tammy) of Dallas, and Robert (Angela) of Katy; daughter, Janet Thompson of Missouri City; brother, Dean Brown (Lorethia) from Denver, and sister, Margaret J. Blacknall from Dallas; nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. A special thanks to Dr. Sharon Larkin, Mary Jennings, Jerome Guillory, Doreen Guillory, Deli Botchway, Dorothy Younger, Willie Thomas, Jr. and the staff at Liz’s Loving Home for your assistance and loving care over the years for Dr. Robert Brown, Jr. He will be greatly missed by many.