Jacqueline Matthews Brown

Mrs. Jacqueline “Jackie” Odell Brown, daughter of the late Louise Odell Matthews and Sidney Alvin Matthews Sr. was born July 18th, 1941, in Westfield, Alabama. Grade school studies took place at Westfield Elementary School with her secondary education completed at Westfield High School. She was an avid basketball player and loved science coursework.

 Upon graduation, Jacqueline attended Alabama A&M University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She enthusiastically became a Spring 1960 member of the Gamma Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. and was first attendant to Miss Alabama A&M University. An excellent student, Jacqueline graduated at the top of her class.

Immediately after college, Jacqueline accepted a biology teaching position at Hayes High School within the Birmingham City School System. She met her true love, Horace Dean Brown Sr. and they were joined together in holy matrimony on July 10th, 1964. To this union, they were blessed with three loving sons: Horace Jr, Darrick and Derrick. Horace Dean Brown Sr. preceded her in death on June 28th, 2000.

A wonderful wife and mother, she voraciously completed requirements for her Master of Science degree in Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  Jacqueline eventually left Hayes High School after being offered a teaching position with Ensley High School’s Science Department. After years of meritorious service, she retired as their Science Department Chair and later worked with Birmingham City Schools as an advisory consultant.

Having thoroughly enjoyed a lifetime filled with warm memories, travel, growth, and love, Jacqueline traded her earthly existence for a heavenly crown on May 18th, 2023.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished through the lives of her children: Horace Dean Brown Jr, Darrick Arthur Brown and Derrick Alvin Brown; four grandchildren, Anbria (Robert) Powell, Kimberly Brown, Darrick Brown Jr. and Darrick Brown II; two great-grandchildren, Robert Powell Jr. and Addison Powell; A host of sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and the deepest friendships a wise woman could ever wish for.

Sincere thanks to the families of Thompson Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, Bethel A.M.E. Church, and Bethel Baptist Church. The communion of saints refreshes the soul.

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