For more than four decades, Lucille Brown shaped Richmond education, guiding the development of students and schools across generations while rising through the ranks to become one of the city’s most influential educators. Her death on June 5, at the age of 96 was preceded by a life whose impact will be felt by the community for decades to come.

“Thank you, Dr. Brown, for paving the way,” the Lucille M. Brown Middle School Community wrote in a statement. “We will continue to walk the path you laid, with pride, with purpose, and with Panther strength. Rest in power.” 

Brown’s connection to Richmond education began early when she graduated from Armstrong High School. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in science from Virginia Union University and a master’s degree in zoology from Howard University, later continuing her studies at multiple state colleges. Brown’s college experience led to one of her earliest leadership roles as superintendent in residence at the College of William and Mary.

After teaching for three years in Fairfax, Brown returned to Richmond as a biology teacher at Armstrong High. In 1974, she began her decades-long rise through Richmond Public Schools leadership by becoming Armstrong High School’s principal.

“Armstrong High School is proud to have had Dr. Lucille Murray Brown as a student, a teacher, and later, its principal,” Armstrong High School Principal Kelly Carter said. “No matter what position she held, she never lost touch with Armstrong High School, carrying its spirit with her throughout her distinguished career.”

Brown continued climbing the RPS hierarchy, serving as assistant superintendent for secondary education in 1985 and assistant superintendent for instruction in 1989. In 1991 she became the second African American woman to serve as RPS superintendent, following Lois Harrison-Jones’ groundbreaking tenure. Her career with RPS spanned 38 years.

Outside education, Brown served as a member of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center, the Virginia Union University Board of Trustees and the Board of the Heroes Foundation. She was also a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the James River Valley Chapter of The Links and the Board of Directors for the Educational AdvancementFoundation.

“I’ve always been interested in service to others,” Brown said during a 2021 interview for Virginia Union University’s educator series, “so my life has also had quite a voluntary aspect to it.”

A viewing will be held Saturday, June 14 from noon to 5 p.m. in Scott’s Funeral Home at 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd., followed by public viewing from 5 to 6 p.m. and ceremonies from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Allix B. James Chapel of Virginia Union University’s Coburn Hall at 1500 N. Lombardy St.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 16 in Garland Avenue Baptist Church at 2700 Garland Ave.