Jerri Lynne Brown

BROWN Jerri Lynne Brown May 18, 1957- September 18, 2011; A graduate of Episcopal High, Jacksonville and University of the South, Sewanee and a devoted fan of FSU. Daughter, sister, best friend, girl scout, swimmer, dancer, equestrian, traveler, animal lover, beach person, cancer warrior, speed reader and lover of books, movies, watcher of tennis and football, especially the Jaguars, but most of all, a teacher. A shy, private person with a quite intellect and a dry quick wit, she believed in brevity. Though a breast cancer victim since July 2003, she never let that define who she was. In her own stubborn, tenacious way, she never gave into the cancer nor the chemo and continued teaching and participating in workshops until a week before she died. She took and passed her National Board Certification test in 2006 several months after she learned she had metastasis to the lungs, bones, and liver. Her determination and bravery was an inspiration to all. She continued to travel and even went skydiving with her brother. On her teacher's salary and despite medical bills, she remained generous to a fault to her friends, family, and her students. Her last act was her recent trip to San Francisco with her fellow teachers, in which she took the money given to her to buy something special and treated everyone to a sightseeing limo ride. Compassionate, independent and fearless, her free spirit will live on forever in all our hearts. She will be missed and forever loved by her family, friends, and those whose lives she touched. Jerri is survived by her mother, Bobbie Brown; brother, Marty Brown, (Sandra); step-father, Ted Flood; nephews, Ryan and Thomas Brown and loving uncles, aunts, cousins, the Floods and her Jack Russell, Layla. She was predeceased by her father, Thomas Brown. We wish to thank all those who prayed and assisted her for all these years. Such kindness and love were amazing and a contributor to her longevity. We also wish to thank the doctors and staff on duty at Mayo Hospital who at her wishes and with outstanding effort extended her life for two days in which her friends and family were able to say goodbye (especially Dr. McDonald). Jerri was active in many school activities, but particularly the History Fair, and a scholarship will be set up in her name to assist deserving students to attend out of town locations. Donations may be made in her honor to Mayport Middle School, for the Jerri Brown Memorial Fund, 2600 Mayport Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233. She was a Communicate of Christ Episcopal Church, 400 San Juan Drive, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, 32082, where the Memorial Services will be held on 09/30/11 at 3 PM. Visit http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/jerribrown/Homepage.aspx. Please sign the online guestbook at www.pontevedravalley.com. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com