Lucille Murray

Brown

Dr. Lucille Murray Brown of Richmond, Virginia, departed this life and went home to be with her Lord on June 5, 2025, in the comfort of her home. She was born to the late Mary Coleman Murray and William E. Murray, Sr. on March 26, 1929, in Columbia, South Carolina. She was the third born of four children to this union.

Lucille grew up in the nurturing environment of Richmond's historic Navy Hill section and attended Richmond City Public Schools. She was graduated from Armstrong High School in 1946 with an academic rank of three (3) in a class of more than 350 students. She continued her educational journey at Virginia Union University where she was graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree, Magna Cum Laude, in Biology. At Virginia Union, she was a member of Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society, a member of the national science honor society, and President of the Class of 1950. At its May 2025 Commencement, Virginia Union recognized Lucille as one of two remaining 1950 VUU graduates. Lucille earned her Master of Science degree in Zoology at Howard University from which she was graduated with honors in 1952. Lucille furthered her studies in educational administration and supervision at the University of Virginia, the University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Virginia State University. In 1995, Lucille was awarded an honorary doctorate from both Virginia State University and the University of Richmond.

Lucille was married to the late Dr. Theodore R. Coots Brown, Sr. for 47 years. To this union was born one son, Theodore R. Coots Brown, Jr. Dr. Theodore Brown, Sr., also a graduate of Armstrong High School, Virginia Union University, and Howard University, was a prominent physician in the Richmond community and worked alongside Lucille as a community advocate.

She gave her life to Christ at an early age and joined Fifth Street Baptist Church, where her mother was a long-time member. Alongside her siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins, Lucille served at this branch of Zion. During her time at Fifth Street Baptist Church, Lucille served as Superintendent of Sunday School under the leadership of Dr. C. C. Scott. Lucille continued to serve her Lord at Garland Avenue Baptist Church, where she was a founding member and served as Chairman of the Trustee Ministry until her death.

Lucille shared her knowledge and love of the sciences as an educator, teaching Biology and Chemistry. She began her teaching career in Fairfax, Virginia, and continued her career at Armstrong High School in Richmond, Virginia. She ascended to educational administration, serving as a high school principal, Director of Instruction, Director of High School Education, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education, Associate Superintendent of the School District, and culminating a very fulfilling career as Superintendent of Richmond City Public Schools. During her superintendency, she served as Superintendent-in-Residence of the Department of Education at the College of William and Mary. The Richmond City School Board honored her legacy of excellence and her 41 years of service by naming its then newly built middle school the Lucille Murray Brown Middle School. A testament to her commitment to education is the Dr. Lucille M. Brown Community Youth Bowl held annually at Virginia Union University. Through this program, she partnered with the Athletic Department at Virginia Union to engage elementary, middle, and high school students in activities that encourage them to include higher education in their life plans.

Civic engagement and advocating for social justice were a part of Lucille's life from a young age. While at Virginia Union, Lucille became a member of the Alpha Eta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Lucille worked with chapter members to serve the Richmond community and offered well-thought-out programs on campus. She also served as President of the Alpha Eta Chapter. After graduating from Virginia Union, she became a member of the Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she served as a member of the National Personnel Committee and the Educational Advancement Fund, Chairman of the Housing Committee, chapter Vice President, and chapter President. She was recognized at the 2008 Boule with the Green Diamond award for having capitalized a $20,000 scholarship. In 2022, Lucille reached Diamond status for 75 years of service in the Sorority. Her thorough knowledge of protocols and her wisdom were treasured by the chapter.

Lucille was also a member of the James River Valley (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. During her membership with the JRV chapter, she held several positions including chairman of the following committees: HBCU Initiative, Audit, Project Lead, and By-laws; and chairman of the following Facets: Services to Youth, and National Trends and Services. She also served as chapter Parliamentarian and chapter President.

Lucille was a champion for the community, as witnessed by her commitment to local chapter and national initiatives.

Lucille also held membership in the Richmond Chapter, National Epicureans, Incorporated for over 60 years where she held several leadership positions, including Financial Secretary. Additionally, Lucille was a life member of the NAACP.

Lucille's life has been characterized by her service to others. In addition to her work in the organizations mentioned above, she served the Richmond community through many other avenues including member of the Board of Trustees of Virginia Union University for which she chaired the Academic Affairs Committee until her death; member of the Board of Directors of the National Conference for Community and Justice (formerly the National Conference of Christians and Jews, now the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities); a former president of the Board of Directors of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia; a member of the Board of Directors of Consolidated Bank and Trust Company; and Chair of the Committee on Administration of the Phyllis Wheatley Branch of the YWCA.

For her service to the community, Lucille received many noteworthy and deserving recognitions, including the "Distinguished Alumna of the Year" award from Virginia Union University; the "Sisterhood/Brotherhood Outstanding Service Humanitarian Award" from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities; the United Negro College Fund "Flame Bearer of Education Award"; the Greater Richmond Urban League "Lifetime Achievement Award"; the YWCA "Outstanding Women in Education Award"; and the National Council of Negro Women "Outstanding Educator Award."

Lucille leaves to cherish her memory a devoted and loving son, Dr. Theodore R. Coots Brown, Jr.; sister-in-law Delores Murray; nieces Carolyn Montgomery (Paul), and Shirley Murray; nephews Alonzo Murray (Dana), and Richard Murray; great nephews Donald M. Hinson (Melissa), John Murray (Sydney), Joshua Murray, Karl Murray, Jr., Kevin Murray, and Kory Murray; great nieces Alyssa Murray, Carolyn Murray, Christina Murray, and Dana M. Parrish; great great nieces Amelia Murray, and Maya Murray; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 East Brookland Park Boulevard, where a viewing will be held Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The public viewing and ritualistic ceremonies will be held Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the Allix B. James Chapel, Coburn Hall, Virginia Union University, 1500 North Lombardy Street, Richmond, VA 23220, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Garland Avenue Baptist Church, 2700 Garland Avenue, Richmond, VA, 23222, at 12:00 noon. Interment Riverview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Garland Avenue Baptist Church and/or Virginia Union University in memory of Dr. Lucille M. Brown