Mrs. Johnnie Alexander Brown

Johnnie Raye Alexander Brown, born in Marshall, TX to the late Deacon John  and Deaconess Esther  Alexander. She was educated at the primary and secondary school where her father was principal and her mother taught English in Timpson, TX.  Johnnie graduated at 14 years of age from High School. Johnnie received her B. A. degree in Music from Bishop College in Marshall, with piano as her instrument of study, graduating at the age of 18. Johnnie began her teaching career in Texas public schools soon after graduation. She later received her M. A. degree in Guidance and Counseling from Atlanta University (GA) and continued studies at Georgia State University in Education.

Bishop College is where she met her former husband and father of her 3 children, Dr. Louis C. Brown, Sr. After Dr. Brown became a medical doctor in Washington, D. C., they moved the family to Atlanta in 1962. Johnnie began teaching music for the Atlanta Public School System and retired from APS after 30 years. She also worked at Literacy Action teaching adults reading and writing.

Johnnie was a longtime active member of Friendship Baptist Church where she was on the Deaconess Board, sang in, played for and directed choirs, taught Sunday School, coordinated Vacation Bible School Christmas and Easter programs, and was a member of the Adult Fellowship, Garden and Uplifters Clubs.

In 1968, at the invitation of Muriel Lokey, Mother began her volunteer work at Emmaus House where she delivered Welfare groceries, worked in the Poverty Rights Office, taught in the Summer and After School Programs. She also helped establish and sustain the Emmaus House Chapel, becoming the first pianist and choir director for worship services.

Additionally, Johnnie was the organist/choir director for Cosmopolitan AME Church (Atlanta) for several years.

An activist for social justice, Johnnie worked alongside the Rev. Austin Ford and Sister Marie Bodell in many demonstrations and rallies for the rights of the poor. She became the first African American President of the Atlanta Y.W.C.A. where she was instrumental in helping more young women to commit to such action and to decentralize the program by establishing more centers convenient to all sections of the city.

Johnnie served as President of the Women's Auxiliary of the Atlanta Medical Association, and was the Southern Zone Director of the Women's Auxiliary of the National Medical Association. She was actively involved with the Metropolitan Atlanta Musicians Association and its growth and revitalization.

Survived by daughter Jeanne' Brown (Jeanie), son John Brown (Cynthia), five well-loved grandchildren Claire and Samuel Mc Donald, Alexander, Zachary and Nicholas Brown, Megan Kovach (Steve) and their children Adeline and Vivian, cherished cousins, extended family and many devoted friends. She was predeceased by her son Louis Brown, Jr.

Johnnie will be remembered for being an inspiration to many and serving to empower women, children, the poor, by giving of her time and talents to the community.

Mrs. Johnnie Raye Alexander Brown passed away on Friday, June 13, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 11:00AM at Emmaus House Chapel, 1017 Hank Aaron Drive, Southwest, Atlanta, Georgia with Reverend E. Claiborne Jones, Vicar, officiating.

Survivors are her daughter, Jeanne' Brown (Jeanie); son, John Brown (Cynthia); five grandchildren.

Family and friends are requested to assemble at the chapel at 10:30AM.