IN MEMORIAM

Gillian Brown

Practicum Coordinator of the Principal Leadership Institute

UC Berkeley

1941—2004

Gillian Brown passed away on June 14, 2004, from complications related to congestive heart failure. Born in Philadelphia on June 24, 1941, daughter of renowned jazz pianist Beryl Booker (frequent accompanist to Dinah Washington and Billie Holiday), Gillian was a talented pianist in her own right. In spite of her own life challenges as an African-American single mother of two, Gillian earned a partial scholarship to Temple University where she received her master's degree and excelled as an educator and human resource development specialist. Gillian was mentor and role model to students, family, and friends, and lived a remarkable life touching many with her kindness, intellect, and love.

 

Gillian served as chair for the Master’s in Management Program at John F. Kennedy University in Pleasant Hill, California, where she also taught courses on race and diversity. She served her community as board member for The Women’s Foundation, People Speaking, and the Alameda County Volunteer Center. Gillian co-founded the Women’s Initiative for Self-Empowerment, and An Income of Her Own, and helped in program development. Ms. Brown was a passionate voice for social change, tirelessly working for inclusiveness, civil rights, equality, and women’s issues.

 

Her work with government, educational institutions, and corporate clients comprised work with the U.S. Department of Education, Blue Cross, Kaiser-Permanente, Children’s Hospital, BART, DHL Worldwide, and others.

 

At the time of her passing, Gillian Brown was the Practicum Coordinator for the Principal Leadership Institute of the Kenneth E. Behring Center for Educational Improvement at the University of California, Berkeley Graduate School of Education, where she had worked since the program's launch in 2000. With quiet dignity, Gillian unselfishly worked to alter the life courses of children from the hardest of circumstances. She spoke often of her own troubled upbringing, crediting her cousin Gloria Meredith with supporting and encouraging her to go to Temple University. After being given that opportunity, she spent her life giving back to others. Her passing is a great loss to students and colleagues alike. The family appreciates the support and prayers of her coworkers and friends during her illness. Gillian Brown leaves to mourn: sons Kevin Brown and Kent Brown, daughter-in-law Akane Nobusa-Brown, extended family and many friends.

 

              Kent Brown

              Norton Grubb

              Lynda Tredway