Ruth H. Brown
Ruth Juanita Harrell Brown, daughter of the late Willis Harrell and the late Hazel Young Harrell was born on February 24, 1930 in Baltimore, Maryland. She departed this life peacefully on September 27, 2016 surrounded by her family. Ruth attended Baltimore Public Schools. Noticing a spark in their niece’s eyes to continue her education, her aunt and uncle the late William and Lula Young brought her to Boston to continue her education at Boston State Teacher’s College where she received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Education. While attending college she met her lifelong friend Edith Brown Elder who introduced her to her brother Korean War Veteran Warren I. Brown. From this meeting, Warren and Ruth were married and out of this union two children were born Cheryl Brown-Greene and Karen E. B. Evans. She taught for the Boston Public Schools for 40 years but was particularly proud of her 25 years working as an Advanced Work Class teacher. She won numerous teaching awards and acknowledgements but her proudest teaching award was the Golden Apple Award. She loved her students and she loved teaching Ruth supported many community and civic organizations but was the major benefactor of the Warren I. Brown Memorial Scholarship given yearly to high school students who have participated in community service on Patriots’ Day. A 56-year member of the Massachusetts Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Ruth obtained the honor of becoming the Department President for the state of Massachusetts. She was the first African-American woman in Massachusetts to hold this position. She served this organization proudly and many know her for her strong commitment to this country and its veterans. Ruth loved all sports and was a fan of all the Boston teams. She loved to boast that she had traveled almost all of the 50 states through her association with the VFW. She was an avid reader and enjoyed crocheting. Ruth leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters Cheryl Brown-Greene and Karen E. B. Evans, grandchildren Efrem Evans Jr., Karyn Greene, Stephanie Greene and Ashley Evans, brothers Willis Harrell Jr. and wife Delores, Melvin Harrell and wife Shirley, and Ronald Harrell, brother in law Richard G. Brown, God Children Donald S. Harrell and Trudi Brown Clark and sons in law Russell Greene and Efrem Evans Sr., and a host of nieces and nephews, family and friends. Funeral Service, Tues., Oct 4, in the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington St., DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS at 10 o’clock. Visiting Hours, Mon 4-8 pm. Interment Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree. Teacher of 40 years with Boston Public Schools. Massachusetts Past Department President Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. If desired contributions in Ruth’s name may be sent to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168
Guestbook Entries
Dear Cheryl and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please take comfort in all the beautiful memories you have with your mother. Sending you prayers and love today and always.
Sincerely,
Megan Condon
xoxo
Ruth was one of the finest ladies I have ever bet! We had so many memories over the years, she loved the VFW Auxiliary. We would sit and chat by the hour! I will miss her smile. She loved her daughters and was very proud of the! She is now at peace and with her husband Harold! Rest in Peace dear Ruth!
So very sorry for your loss. May sweet memories of your mother and grandmother bring you comfort during this sad time for your family.
Cheryl:
To you and your family I send my heartfelt sympathy. Life will be so different without “Aunt Ruth” and being able to share our 4th grade teacher/student stories.
Always,
Gail
Dear Cheryl,
I am so sorry to learn of your mom’s passing.You were a loyal and dedicated daughter. She was lucky to have been surrounded by the love of you and your daughters. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cheryl,
Your Mom was an amazing woman. She touched so many lives and will be greatly missed.
Love,
Erin, Charlie, Maeve and Gabe
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. In sympathy and friendship
Love to all. Judy
Hi Cheryl
Im thinking of you at this difficult time. I am sure you will take comfort in the long and meaningful life your mother lived. Take care of yourself too. Love Marcia
Karen,
To my sister in Christ….I know that your heart hurts but take comfort in knowing that your Mom has found Peace. The memory of your Mom is reflected in your person and will surely live in your heart forever. Deepest sympathies from me and my family to you and yours.
Always,
A’lise
Karen, my best friend
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved mom.
I can still remember, as if it were yesterday, meeting your mom at dinner beautifully prepared by you. That was an insightful experience into knowing the roots of your natural intelligence, for my conversation with your mom was very intellectually stimulating. She will forever remain in a special place in my heart.
Peace&Love to you and family.
Dana
Dear Cheryl & family,
Tim and I are so saddened for your loss. I truly enjoyed getting to know your mother for the 13 years working at the Lyon. She was an extraordinary selfless woman who was dedicated to making a difference in so many lives. She will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Sending prayers and lots of love your way.
Love, Dolores & Tim
Cheryl,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I always loved seeing and your mom as she was a great person always giving out compliments. I knew she was a great teachers but I just learned a lot about her educational accomplishments. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Jon Redden
Cheryl, My Boston Sista,
An elevator ride that I will never forget; Your mom was a very special, caring person who always made me and every member in my family feel special, (especially my son and grandson). She cared and I always heard it and felt it. I will miss the wisdom and excitement she brought to all conversations. I’m very happy to have known your mother. You and your family are in my prayers as always, Love,
Connie
To the family of Ruth Brown,
My prayers are with you at the loss of your dear mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. I worked with her at the Taylor School in the late 70’s and during the 80’s. She was a very special woman. I remember the many conversations I had with her. She a woman of excellence and absolutely loved teaching her students and encouraging them to excellence as well. She adored her daughters and family members and spoke of them with such love. Her dedication and commitment to the VFW Auxiliary was quite evident. She touched many lives. What a rich legacy she leaves for her family.
May the Lord comfort you at this time,
Glynnette Scott
Dear Cheryl and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Your mother was truly an amazing woman and she raised truly amazing daughters. Her grace and compassion live on through you and your family.
Love,
Eileen
Cheryl, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know how happy you always were when she was with you, and she always seemed happy as well. Treasure the memory of all the years you spent loving each other.
Dear Cheryl, Karen & family:
So very sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. Sending prayers and peace to all of you.
Keva
Karen and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Nothing like a mother. Karen, reading her obituary made me immediately think of you and how you inspire and encourage people. I am in prayer for your family’s strength. It is nice to read so many kind words written about your mother.
To the family, please take comfort in knowing we serve an AWESOME God and your mother touched so many lives. May she rest in peace. Blessings to you all.
I am so sorry for your loss Cheryl. May God Bless you and your family, and give you strength during your time of grief.
Colleen
Hi Cheryl,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your Mom; from all accounts, she was an amazing woman! I wish you and your family peace and strength as you mourn her loss and celebrate her life.
Claudia Chaffee
You don’t know me but Mrs Brown taught me in 1979-1981 at the Charles Taylor in Dorchester. She left a lifelong impression. I was just thinking about her and saw this when I googled her name. I know this is 2 years late..but my condolences to the Brown family.