October 7, 1953 - August 20, 2017 Dr. Rae Linda Brown passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2017 from a rare and aggressive cancer, leiomyosarcoma, in Seattle, WA. Rae Linda earned her B.S. in Music Education from the University of Connecticut, a M.A. in African American Studies, and a Ph.D. in Musicology from Yale University. She held full-time faculty and administrative positions at the University of Michigan and the University of California, Irvine. From 2008 - 2016 Rae Linda served as Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and held the faculty position of Professor of Music at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. In August, 2016 Rae Linda began a new position as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA. Rae Linda Brown was a highly respected and influential scholar of American and African American music. Her work of edited scores of Florence B. Price (1887 - 1953), the first African American female composer to have had a symphonic composition performed by a major orchestra, and published editions of Price's music have been performed by numerous ensembles and artists in the United States and abroad. She leaves to mourn her son William Coley, Los Angeles, CA; sisters Helaine Teale (Charles) of Hartford, CT and Carlene J. Brown (Elvis Campbell) of Seattle, WA; and brother Gerald Brown (Jodi) of San Angelo, Texas. She also leaves her nephews Jason Daniels (Priscilla), Colin and Ethan Brown, and nieces Ileah Daniels, Ryanna and Nyah Campbell. Rae Linda also leaves to mourn a very large extended family as well as many friends and colleagues. A memorial service to celebrate Rae Linda's life is planned for Saturday, October 7th, 1:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach, California. In tribute to Rae Linda's legacy of care for students, especially those first in their family to attend college, Pacific Lutheran University has established the Dr. Rae Linda Brown Access Scholarship. Memorial gifts can be made online (plu.edu/give), indicating the gift is made in memory of Rae Linda or memorial checks sent to: Pacific Lutheran University Office of Advancement, 12180 Park Avenue S, Tacoma, WA 98447.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Sep. 3, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Rae Brown

6 Entries

Irving Moy

February 23, 2025

Rae Linda, I first met just after your graduation from Yale when you became our organist and choir director at Golden Hill United Methodist Church in Bridgeport, CT. You were exceptional, but we all knew it would be a stepping stone to something much bigger. We continued to be in touch, but the intervening years of life got in the way, and here it is 2025. Occasionally, you would come to mind, but I never thought anymore of it. But how I found you again was WQXR in NYC recently had a program on the Life of Florence Price, and the station plays her music often. I became interested, and searched Florence Price, and saw your name as the author of an acclaimed book on her life. My joy turned to sorrow to learn that it was published after your death. But my spirits lifted after I read the many tributes of so many whom you had such a positive influence in their lives in your career in music and academia. Know your life made a difference. I wrote a book on a Chinese soldier who fought in the Civil War. What a NPS director wrote me applies to you even more with your Florence Price book, "What a Story! Plucking a (woman) from relative obscurity and finally giving (her) the honor (she) is due. This is such an important work you have done. The Nation and (World) are indebted to you." I will buy your book, read your words, and think of you with fondest as a life well lived. Thank you, Rae Linda, for blessing so many that will continue through the scholarships in your memory.

Ethel Simpson

October 8, 2020

Ms Brown came to the University of Arkansas libraries to work in the archives of Florence Price. I did not know her but was impressed with her dedication and focus. We in the library who had arranged and described the Price papers for research use were so happy that such a fine scholar made good use of the collection that helped to bring recognition to one of Arkansas's outstanding women. Her work is a fine memorial. I have just now learned of her death while reading a reference to her work in a recent issue of The New Yorker about African-Americans and classical music.

Laura Bardoni

November 13, 2017

Was thinking of my very special old friend from Morningside St and am so saddened to find this obit. My condolences to Rae'so family. Laura Bing Bardoni

Claudette Talmadge

September 7, 2017

To the Brown Family,
I send my sincere sympathy to you. RaeLinda was a very dear friend during our elementary school (Mark Twin School) and high school (Mount St. Joseph Academy) days. We shared a love for music back then playing piano and glee club. She will always have a special place in my heart. May her love of music be carried on by her students. God Bless.
Claudette Thompson Talmadge

Carol Gilbert

September 3, 2017

Rae Linda was such a class act and a role model who carried herself with dignity and inspired others. Her rapid passing leaves me with whip lash and a hole in my heart. I was so looking forward to having dinner together this summer. I will miss our friendship.

Sherri

September 3, 2017

My heartfelt sympathies go out to your family during this difficult time. I hope that the promise at 1 Thessalonians 4:14 brings you comfort. Knowing that there is a hope for the ones we have lost in death, can be so reassuring.

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