Community Connect: Vickie Brown
A Life of Love and Dedication: A Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Special Education Teacher
by Sheila Duncan
This week, we take a moment to reflect on the life of someone who has been a cherished part of our community for many years. Mrs. Vickie Brown has been a tremendous asset to both our schools and her family. As we celebrate her impact, we’ll get a glimpse into the values and memories she holds dear. Let’s hear from Vickie herself.
Tell Us About You and Your Family and Any Pets you may have:
I was number four of five children and grew in a small community called Union Grove between Guntersville and Arab in Marshall County and graduated from Arab High School. I attended Snead State Jr. College for two years in Boaz and transferred to Troy University and graduated in 1974 with a B.S. in Special Education. I moved to Tuscaloosa to attend Graduate School at the University of Alabama and teach at the Education Center at Partlow State School for three years before meeting my husband, Eddie. He was Assistant Principal at a Jr. High School in Pell City and after we married in 1977, we lived in Pell City for two years and I was a Principal at Eden School which served children with disabilities. In 1979 we moved to Bibb County which was home to Eddie who grew up in Randolph. Alabama and we have made Brent our home ever since and raised our three daughters here who attended school in Bibb County from K-12 and graduated from Bibb County High School. I taught Special Education at Bibb County High School for nineteen years and then went to the Central Office as Special Education Coordinator from 1998 to 2007 before accepting a position in Tuscaloosa City Schools as Director of Student Services from 2007 until retiring in 2014, Since retiring I have continued to do consulting in schools since serving students with disabilities has always been my passion. Eddie was the Director of Recreational Sports at the University of Alabama and earned his Doctorate in Education there prior to accepting the principal’s position at his Alma Mater, Bibb County High School in 1996. We’ve been married for almost forty-eight years and our adult daughters Ashley (Brad), Lindsey (BJ) and Kelley (Brett) are all graduates of the University of Alabama. They have given us five beautiful grandchildren which are a great source of pride and joy! We have one pet, our Shih Tzu Tua, named after Alabama’s quarterback, who is beloved by the whole family.
What Is Your Favorite Family Tradition and How Did It Start?
My favorite would have to be Christmas. I love everything about Christmas and on Christmas Day when all the family is home after dinner, we have a cake and the grands sing “Happy Birthday Jesus” have a Christmas sing-a-long, Papa reads the Christmas story, gift exchange and then fireworks,
Who In Your Family Inspire You the Most and Why?
In my extended family it would be my niece Pam who has battled severe Crohn’s Disease much of her adult life and has endured multiple surgeries that have required constant medical care. Through it all, she has maintained the sweetest spirit and positive attitude that is truly remarkable based on her circumstances. In my immediate family it would be our precious grandson Eli, who was born with club feet and Autism and endured several castings and surgeries. Through it all he has been so resilient and a true inspiration to us all.
Can you share a funny or memorable story from a family gathering?
I love to bake and cook and am always trying new recipes. Sometimes my cake layers are not even, and they kid me about my cake “leaning.’
If You Could Spend a Day With any of your Ancestors, who would it be and why?
Probably my grandparents since my paternal grandmother was the only one living when I was born, and she passed away when I was 4.
What Is Your Favorite Room in House and Why?
Definitely the dinette and kitchen. When all our adult children and their families come home to enjoy a meal, I love to hear them sitting around the table catching up or talking about memories from their childhood.
Can You Describe a Typical Evening At Home For You?
A typical evening for me if we don’t have ballgames or other sporting events with grandchildren, I try to relax and enjoy the quiet after a busy day.
What Are Your Must-Have Items In Your Home That You Can’t Live Without?
My Bible and my prayer journal which helps me stay focused and grounded. My Phone and Diet Cokes.
“Exploring your community allows you to uncover its hidden gems and forge meaningful connections with your neighbors.” Thank you, Vickie Brown, for taking the time to answer our questions so that we may get to know you and your family on a more personal level.”
