Gloria Dean Brown

Life and Legacy "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."2 Timothy 4:7 Gloria Dean Greggs, beloved daughter of James and Iris Greggs, was born on August 13, 1934, in Washington, DC, and transitioned peacefully in her sleep on April 2, 2025, in Laurel, Md. As a young girl growing up in Northeast DC with two younger brothers, she admired and emulated her strong-willed, beautiful, and gracious mother, Iris. Gloria also adored her glamorous Aunt Evelyn, mimicking her unique fashion sense, and admired her academically focused Aunt Joy, who instilled in her the value and importance of education. Gloria graduated from the prestigious Dunbar High School in the early 1950s, renowned for its selective admission and academic rigor. After graduation, she enrolled in the nursing program at Freedmen's Hospital in Washington, DC. Freedmen's (now Howard University Hospital) trained many of the nation's leading African American physicians and nurses, contributing significantly to the development of a medical workforce serving the African American community -- especially during the era of segregation. Gloria graduated as a registered nurse, beginning a long and devoted career in health care. She served with distinction, often working the weekend graveyard shift providing compassionate patient care. She married young and became Gloria Dean Brown. In time, she found herself a single mother, raising three boys—Andre, Darrell, and Dwayne—with enduring support from Iris. Together, they poured their love, guidance, and strength into creating a brighter future for the family. Gloria never allowed adversity to define her; instead, she displayed to her sons the power of hard work, family unity, and unshakable belief in God's promises. Her passion for education grew stronger, earning master's degrees in education from the University of the District of Columbia and George Washington University. She was an honored member of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., one of the nation's most distinguished organizations for educators. A veracious book reader, she finished Alex Haley's Roots in one night, captivated by its powerful story and cultural importance. Gloria was also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., crossing the "burning sands" in 1967 with the line name "Charlie Brown" at the Beta Lambda Chapter at DC Teachers College. She helped establish the Theta Nu Chapter in 1974 at the University of Maryland and later joined the Iota Gamma Omega Chapter in Prince George's County, Md., obtaining the sorority's designation of Golden Soror for her 50-plus-year membership. In addition to Gloria's nursing career, educational pursuits, and the demands of motherhood, she was a revered science and physical education teacher during the day, working at several middle and junior high schools throughout the DC area. During her longest tenure at Hardy Middle School, one of her students was Amy Carter, the daughter of then-President Jimmy Carter. Gloria retired from Hardy after nearly 45 years of teaching. Former students consistently expressed their sincere appreciation to her for inspiring them and providing the foundation to help build their successful careers. Gloria had a unique affinity for animals, especially cats. Her home was always filled with furry friends she loved and cared for like family. In her later years, Gloria developed a deep admiration for horses—sparked by frequently watching the movie Secretariat, which stirred her spirit and deepened her appreciation for determination, faith, courage, and strength. Gloria is now reunited in eternal peace with her beloved eldest son, Andre. She is lovingly survived by her devoted sons, Darrell and Dwayne, and her daughters-in-law, Stephanie (wife of Darrell) and Dr. Kim (wife of Dwayne). She also leaves behind her cherished brother, James Greggs, her grandsons, Darrell and Christopher, and her great-granddaughters, Bayli and Caylani. Gloria shared a cherished bond with her niece and nephew, Kristina "Peaches" Ellis and Kevin Greggs, the children of James and sister-in-law Marilyn Greggs. Gloria's warmth and love also extended to many great-nieces and nephews who remember her with affection and gratitude. Gloria's nurturing spirit and generous heart expanded beyond her immediate family to embrace educator Beverly Carpenter Nickens, Raymond Haynesworth, and Allen Snowden as her own. She loved and cared for them as family—her 'other kids'—and they, in turn, cherished her as a devoted mother figure. She was preceded in death by Iris, her older sister Gloria Meriweather, and her younger brother Alfred Greggs. Gloria was also blessed with lifelong friends that she embraced as family: fellow educators Betty Brown, Lucille Hester, Rachel Clark, Jacqueline Wilson, Allen Cepas, and her favorite principal, Patrick Pope. Their enduring friendship and mutual support were a constant source of strength and joy in Gloria’s life. During her lifetime, her wisdom, laughter, and passionate spirit left an indelible mark on family, friends, colleagues, local DC celebrities and politicians. Gloria found comfort and strength in the Word of God and His promise of eternal peace. Her legacy of love, educational pursuits, personal achievements, sacrifice, resilience, and community service will live on in all blessed to know her.

Gloria Dean Brown

August 13, 1934 - April 2, 2025