(from www.amez.org)
An ordained elder, experienced trainer, and innovative leader, Rev. Kathryn Gertrude Brown served as the General Secretary of the Department of Christian Education of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church from 2012 until her death. She was the first female to hold this position.
Born and raised in Harlem, NY, Rev. Brown was educated in the New York City Public School System. Rev. Brown earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Relations from Salem College in Salem, West, Virginia and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and Community Planning in Baltimore, MD. At the time of her death, she was a Satterwhite Scholar Doctor of Ministry student at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.
Rev. Brown held a variety of Christian Education leadership positions at the local, Presiding Elder District, Annual Conference and Episcopal Levels including Youth Director at Contee A.M.E. Zion Church in Washington, DC, District Director of Young Adults, Conference Director of Christian Education for the Philadelphia-Baltimore Conference, and Episcopal Director of Christian Education for the Mid-Atlantic II Episcopal District. Through these experiences, her God-given gift for organizing innovative, transformational ministries was recognized.
Rev. Brown’s work at the Connectional level began when she was asked to serve as the Program Coordinator for the newly formed ministry for young adults (Young Adults in Christian Ministries). After serving in this capacity for several years, Rev. Dr. Raymon Hunt, (Rev. Brown’s predecessor) invited her to join the staff of the Christian Education Department as the Program Coordinator. Serving under Rev. Dr. Hunt for over 16 years uniquely positions Rev. Brown to lead the Department during this season. Rev. Brown also served as the assistant advisor to the Young Adults In Christian Ministries.
In addition to her work in Christian Education, from 1994-2003, Rev. Brown served as pastor of Stephen Gill Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church (Landover, MD).
Her professional career outside of the church includes pioneering initiatives for the Prince George’s County (Maryland) Department of Social Services and for Howard University. Additional experiences in higher education include serving as an instructor at Bowie State University, in Bowie, MD, and membership on the Council on Social Work Education.
A woman who considered herself richly blessed by God, Rev. Brown was especially grateful for the love of her parents, and the mentoring of exceptionally gifted men and women of God. Blessed with the gift of singleness, she was privileged to be an aunt, godmother and nurturer of numerous gifted and delightful young people.
The Obsequies, Funeral Rites and Celebration of Life for The Rev. Dr. Kathryn Brown, General Secretary of Christian Education for the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church are as follows:
The Celebration of Life was held on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at the Judah Temple AME Zion Church in Mitchellville, MD. The viewing and “Service of Triumph” took place on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at the Union Wesley AME Zion Church, in Washington, D.C. 20017
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Christian Education Department of the AME Zion Church to ensure the work that Dr. Brown started is finished.
Checks may be written to CED AMEZ with “In Memory Of” on the memo line. Donations can also be made electronically via Givelify using the following link. bit.ly/cedgive
All gifts will be acknowledged and kept in restricted funds to build ministry initiatives and carry out God’s vision given to our beloved Madame Secretary.
Condolences may be sent to:
Judah Temple AME Zion Church
C/O KGB Memorial/CED Foundation
14500 Mt Oak Rd,
Mitchellville, MD 20721
We thank God for her legacy and the countless lives she touched through her ministry and extend our prayers to her family and the entire AME Zion Connection during this difficult time.
