George James Brown

George James Brown, an esteemed educator, devoted husband, and beloved patriarch, peacefully passed away on December 30, 2023, at his home in Mount Pleasant, Texas. Born on September 16, 1937, in Austin, Texas, George’s remarkable life was filled with achievements, lasting relationships, and a profound dedication to education.

George’s passion for learning led him to attain his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas and Master’s Degree from Texas A&M University, which set the stage for his illustrious career in the field of education. As an educator, he served as a shining example of dedication and commitment, leaving an indelible impact on countless students. George’s knowledge and expertise were widely recognized, and he proudly spent his professional years serving countless school districts where he influenced and inspired generations of learners as a teacher and coach. He was the owner of Jackson Business College in Austin, Texas, a consultant for the Texas Education Agency (TEA), Superintendent at Harts Bluff ISD, and Deputy Executive Director of Region 8 ESC where he retired in 2001.

Beyond his contributions in the classroom, George played an instrumental role in the advancement of rural education. As a co-founder of the Texas Rural Education Association (TREA), he tirelessly championed the needs of students in rural communities, working diligently to create opportunities for educational excellence. George’s visionary leadership extended to the national level, where he was a past President and member of the National Rural Education Association (NREA). Additionally, he served as a prominent member of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA), furthering his commitment to the betterment of education. He served for 8 years on the TRTA District Legislative Committee advocating for the unique challenges faced by rural schools across the country.

George found immense joy in his role as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His unwavering love and support for his wife, Janice Brown, were the foundation of their blended family established in 2004. Their family includes daughter Kara & Tracey Campbell, sons Keith & Darlyn Brown, Kevin Brown, Greg & Kim Lewis, Davey & Jessica Lewis, and Mickey & Katie Lewis. George’s devotion to his grandchildren was immeasurable, and he cherished the special bonds he shared with Lindsey & Justin Long, Brady Brown, Shianne & Austin Graff, Christopher Lewis, Noah Campbell, Jonah & Haley Campbell, Joshua Campbell, John Leyton Lewis, Joleigh Lewis, Lauren & Hayden Ward, Dylan Lewis, Katelyn Lewis, Dax Lewis, and Marshall Lewis, as well as, his great-grandchildren Reese Roberson, Alexie Graff, Greyson Graff, and Mathis Ward. Other special family are Cherie Copus, Cyndy & David Fisher, and Caren & Tommy Baker and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Selma Leroy and Ethel Belle Brown, sister and brother-inlaw, Cherie Belle and Clyde Copus, and grandchildren, Brooklyn Kelly and Peanut Campbell.

George’s spirit of faith was an integral part of his journey, as he found solace and strength in his Baptist beliefs. His unwavering devotion to his faith guided his actions and provided a steadfast moral compass throughout his life.

While we mourn the loss of this exceptional man, we also celebrate the tremendous impact he made on the lives of so many. George’s memory will forever be cherished by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless students whose lives he touched. To know George was to love George.

A celebration of George James Brown’s life will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 1:00 pm. at the Liberty Missionary Baptist Church in the Blodgett Community of Titus County. Family and friends are invited to join in the commemoration of his life and legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in George’s honor to the Texas Rural Education Association (TREA) or Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA), organizations that were close to his heart. Donations may also be made to the University of Central Arkansas’ Ferguson-Brown Nutrition Scholarship created by a former employee of Region 8 ESC. Links to each of these can be found at linktr.ee/georgejamesbrown.

George James Brown leaves behind a timeless legacy of excellence, compassion, and dedication. May his memory forever inspire us to embrace the transformative power of education and the profound impact we can make in the lives of others.