Florence P.Perkins Brown was born on 17 January 1936 in Jackson,Mississippi, to Addison L.Perkins and Pearl Powell Perkins. She had two siblings (brother) Addison "Van" Perkins and (sister) Ellistine Perkins Holly.
Education was "Mandatory" in the Perkins household and no compromise was tolerated. Both of Florence's parents were Educators/Professors who taught in the Jackson,Mississippi School System and at several colleges (Uttica College(MS).,Tougaloo College(Ms),Andrews Univ. (Mich). Both of her siblings followed the same career path Addison "Van" Perkins (L.A Calif. Comm College) and Ellistine Perkins Holly (University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Jackson State University (Jackson,Ms.).
Florence excelled in academics at an early age and graduated high school at 16 years of age. She then enrolled at Tougaloo College where she was a "majorette" in the marching band,was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Florence was "Miss Tougaloo" in 1955, the year she graduated with B.A of Science. From there, she enrolled at Meharry Medical College (Nashville,Tn) and ultimately attained another degree (M.T.), embarking on a career in Medical Technology. This career move brought her to Chicago,Ill where she married and gave birth to her two sons Herbert Brown Jr. and Eric L.Brown.
Florence taught science at Harlan H.S in Chicago Public School System for (8) years.She then attained a Master of Arts degree in (Child Psychology) from the Univ. of Chicago in 1970, and transitioned into the City Colleges of Chicago/Kennedy-King College where she served as an Assoc.Professor in the Human Services Department for (25) twenty-years.
Those who knew "Flo" loved her caring spirit and generous heart. She was a fixture at various civic events and was an advocate for " the under-served" in society. Florence was a Jazz" aficionado", and in her retirement, she cruised the "High Seas" with "Auntie Barbara (Barbara Brown) and Uncle Lee( Leroy Brown) along other colleagues on numerous "Jazz Cruises". Ms. Flo always encouraged with her words..was generous wih her money and time, but more than anything..when you were in her presence she exuded genuine support,humor,peace and true compassion!! Two of her favorite quotes were(1)" People will tell you who they are..You just have to listen".. (2) "You may not remember what people say to you..and you may remember what people do for you..but you will always remember how people made you FEEL!!.
Miss Flo demonstrated through her actions that she was a person of Integrity,Intelligence, and Internal Strength...such that no matter the situation, all could be conquered with Faith,Perserverance and Hard Work..but that ultimately the prize was not external wealth but INTERNAL and EXTERNAL PEACE
Florence was affectionately known as "NaNa" to her grandchildren Kyle Brown,Kelly Brown (Herb), Lawrence.Erica, Dominic, Lana (Eric). And as "Auntie Flo" to her neices and nephews.
Florence was preceeded in death by both of her siblings. She leaves behind a host of friends and colleagues to cherish her legacy.
Rest well, Mom. You fought the "Good Fight" and your legacy of Love and Compassion will motivate and guide Us.. Your Sons..Herb and Eric
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