Vera J. Brown

Milestones in Vera's Life ? October 13, 1919 - Born in Piney Woods to Elder Joseph Israel James and Odella Keyes James ? At an early age - Joined Union Town Church of Christ where she has remained a faithful member ? Late 1930's - Graduated from E. J. Hayes High School, Williamston, NC ? May 1941 - Graduated from Elizabeth City State University ? September 1941 - Began her first teaching position at Hamilton Elementary School, Hamilton, NC ? November 5, 1941 - Married Joseph Cephus Brown ? Fall 1942 - Began teaching in Green County, NC at Knox Elementary School; transferred to Paul Chapel in 1943 ? Between May 1944 and June 1952 - Gave birth to two daughters and two sons ? 1953 - Moved to Farmville, NC; became active in local politics and served on several Boards ? 1956 - Transferred to newly consolidated North Greene Elementary School ? 1958 - Earned Master's Degree in early childhood education from New York University ? 1968 - Was the first Black teacher chosen to teach in the newly integrated predominately white Walstonburg Elementary School ? November 1, 1978 - Beloved husband, Joseph Cephus Brown, passed away ? May 1980 - Retired and moved from Farmville back to Dardens (near Piney Woods) ? November 1980 - Retirement ended; became "temporary" Director of Power Day Care Center in Roper, NC ? March 1, 1984 - Re-opened Power Day Care Center in a new building in Dardens ? September 1999 - Retired from Power Day Care Center and went on an Alaskan Cruise to celebrate her 80th birthday ? Over the years has been involved in many philanthropic, church, community, and professional organizations and activities ? July 2006 - Moved to Mitchellville, MD to live near all her children and grandchildren ? April 30, 2015 - Went home to Glory