Kaye H. Brown

MEMOIR

Kaye Heath Brown

Educator, Public Servant, Civic and Community Advocate

Kaye Heath Brown, a loving mother, wife, dedicated educator, and community leader, passed away September 6, 2024, with her family by her side, at the age of 85. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Kaye leaves behind a legacy of service, education, and civic engagement that touched countless lives in Virginia and beyond.

Kaye was the younger of two children born to Horace Heath, PhD, a college professor, and Sybil Heath, a teacher and seamstress. She graduated from Texas Southern University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and French in 1961, setting the stage for a lifelong career in education.

Her journey led her to Portsmouth, Virginia, where she began teaching French and Spanish at l.C. Norcom High School. It was here that she befriended a fellow young teacher, Janice Brown (Clay). Janice introduced Kaye to her brother, James "Jimmie" Brown Jr., who would become her husband and lifelong partner. The couple settled in Smithfield, Virginia, where they raised their family and became pillars of the community. They were both members of Main Street Baptist Church, where she enjoyed tutoring, family mentoring, assisting with youth activities, and fundraising.

Kaye taught in the Virginia School System for more than 30 years. She moved from l.c. Norcom to the Newport News Public School District where she taught at the all-Black Carver High School in Newport News and later, following desegregation at Ferguson High School, where she served as the Foreign Language Department Chair (the first African American to do so) until her retirement in 1995. Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom, as she ran the Early Learning Center at Main Street Baptist Church and taught Spanish at Paul D. Camp Community College for several years after retirement.

Kaye's dedication to public service led her to a successful political career in Smithfield.

She served on the town council for 14 years, culminating in her role as Vice Mayor; the first African American and first woman to be elected to this position. Her contributions included serving as a liaison between the Town Council and Smithfield Police Department and overseeing the Community Helping in Policing (CHIPs) program; and managing the Pinewood Heights Redevelopment Project. She was also appointed to two state boards; the Virginia Fire Services Board with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, and the Virginia Municipal League — Building Better Communities through Sound Government.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kaye was an active member of the Suffolk (VA) Chapter of The Links Incorporated since 1995. She held various offices within the organization including Recording Secretary, Photographer, Keeper of the Archives and contributed to numerous committees including the Membership, Fundraising, demonstrating her commitment to community service and social causes. In addition to The Links, she was also a member of the Champagnette Ladies Club and the Pilot Club.

Kaye is survived by her two children, Dr. Monica Brown-Lipscomb (Vernon) and James B. Brown Ill (Milagros), and three grandchildren:Dylan J. Lipscomb, Juliette I. Brown, and JamesB. Brown IV; her sister Shirley Smith (Travis); a sister-in-law Marcia Brown-Williams; a niece Suzanne Andrews (Larry) and three nephews Steven Smith, Eric Clay and Jansen Williams; a great niece Alexandria Roquemore and two great nephews Eric Clay Jr. and Andrew Clay. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jimmie in January 2015.

 Kaye H. Brown will be remembered for her passion for education, her dedication to public service, and her unwavering commitment to her family and community. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations in Smithfield and beyond.

On Friday, September 13, 2024, viewing and wake service will be held from 5-7pm at Main Street Baptist Church. At 12pm on Saturday, September 14, 2024, a Celebration of Life will be held at Main Street Baptist Church. Interment will follow at the Hickory Grove Cemetery in Surry, VA.  Please keep the  Heath- Brown family in your thoughts and prayers.