Shirley Perry Brown

Shirley Beatrice Perry Brown was born on April 10, 1935, to the late Hester and Raymond Perry Sr. in Roxboro, NC. She was the thirteenth of fourteen children. On Sunday, November 26, 2023, she was called to her eternal home with her son, Bill and daughter-in-law, Jacquie by her side.

Shirley truly made the most of the years of which she was blessed. She credits her core principles, character, and work ethic to growing up on the Perry farm with her large, loving family, led by her beloved father, Raymond Perry. She always proclaimed how the Lord had His hand on her life from the beginning. She often told how a small typing contest led to her being the first in her family to graduate from a four year college. During her time at Winston Salem Teachers College, the Lord brought people into her life who selflessly supported her in every way. From there, she made it her mission to pay it forward, including being a founding member of the Roxboro Reunion Scholarship Committee and serving as Treasurer for many years.

Later she married her high school sweetheart, Willie H. Brown Sr., and moved to Baltimore, Maryland. Their union was blessed with two sons, Willie Brown Jr. and Kennard Brown. Her sons would describe her as their first love, their rock, and their comfort. As a dedicated mother, she was instrumental in forming the village of moms and dads that raised the neighborhood of Ruscombe Lane.

Shirley’s life, like everyone’s, had its share of highs and lows, to which she handled with strength, optimism, and class. She was known to whisper “always keep a little prayer in your heart” to those who she encountered. Throughout life, some of her greatest joy came from her loving nieces and nephews, especially her “favorite niece”. Her joy was only expanded with the addition of daughter-in-laws, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Her life’s second act truly did not disappoint. Shirley found love again with her beloved husband, Lawrence Robinson. For fifteen years, they were inseparable. In a husband, Lawrence was everything Shirley was looking for – a dance partner, a travel companion, a workout partner, and best friend.

In addition to being the matriarch of a loving family, Shirley found time for an incredible career. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Winston Salem Teachers College and continued her education at North Carolina Central University and Coppin State College. As a student at Winston Salem, she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she served as Miss AKA. She later became a member of the Kappa Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. in Baltimore, Maryland, as well as a member of the National Association of University Women- Baltimore-Metropolitan Branch.

Shirley retired as a teacher from the Baltimore City Public School System in June 2001 after working for thirty-eight years. She returned to work as a teacher in Baltimore City under Senate Bill 15 in September 2001. As a dedicated, skilled, and well-respected educator, she has received many honors and accolades for her outstanding service. Some of her awards include the 1994 “Outstanding Teacher of the Year” award and “The Principal Eagle” award for outstanding service. In 1997, she was also recognized by the Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., who honored her with the “Apple for the Teacher” award for her outstanding work as an educator.

Shirley has also used her knowledge of education for the betterment of her community. She served as a consulting teacher for Johns Hopkins University’s Parent Involvement Program and worked as a coordinator and supervisor in the Commonwealth Program sponsored by the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office. She worked as an educator in the Entrepreneur After School Program for the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension Program. She also served as secretary, vice president, and president of the Cylburn Community Association in Baltimore City for many years.

Shirley was a dedicated member and served as a trustee of Grace Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, Maryland. After moving to Raleigh, NC, she fell in love with her current church home, St. Matthews Baptist Church. There, she was a member of the “Touch of Love” ministry for many years.

Shirley leaves to cherish her memory, her husband: Lawrence Robinson; and children: Willie “Bill” Brown, Jr. (Jacqueline), Kennard “Ken” Brown, Hildreth Robinson, and Dr. Shawn Robinson (Allison).

Grandchildren: Tabitha Brown, Casianna Brown, Maya Brown, Alana Robinson, Andrew Robinson, Samara Brown, Sydney Brown and Ava Brown.

Great-Grandchildren: Willie H. Brown III, Trevor Stark, Callie Church and Cameron Church.

Sibling: Jerry Perry.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Perry Sr. and Hester Perry; Brothers Raymond Perry Jr., Trib Perry, Frank Perry, and Jimmy Perry; Sisters Minnie Perry Harvey, Fannie Belle Perry Kirk, Annie Lee Perry Jeffers, Dixie Perry Farrish, Dolly Perry Lawson, Ester Perry Johnson, Odie Mae Perry Harris, and Dorothyl Perry Ramsey.

Funeral Service will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Matthew Baptist Church 5410 Louisburg Rd. Raleigh, NC 27616, Rev. Dr. Ronald E. Avery, Pastor. The body will lie in repose one hour before service. The family will also be present one hour before service for visitation.

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