Helen Brown

Helen L. Brown was born in Montgomery, AL, to James T. and Helen Leeper who predeceased her. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 73 years (married August 6, 1943) J. Brooks Brown, M.D.; a son, J. Brooks Brown, Jr. of St Augustine and Middleburg; a daughter Beverly Terry (Timothy) of Orlando; a granddaughter Kathryn Carter (John) of Memphis, TN; two grandsons J. Brooks Brown III, of Middleburg and Jeffrey W. Berry (Leslie) of St. Augustine; five great grandsons: Brooks, William, Wynn Berry, Wesley and Ashton Carter; one niece Ann Austin (David) of McKinney, TX; a God child Debby Davis Denson of Birmingham, AL; special adopted daughters Regina McCary of St Augustine, FL and Lise Blom Hartvigsen of Oslo, Norway; and beloved family Executive Secretary, Orpha B. Wiseman, St Augustine, FL.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. John’s Cathedral, 356 E. Church St., Jacksonville, FL on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

Helen graduated from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa with a BS in Food and Nutrition. She is a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. Following college, Helen worked as a dietician at Southern Baptist Hospital of New Orleans, LA.

Helen dedicated her life to caring for her family, her friends, her church and their community. She came to Jacksonville in 1953, where her husband began his surgical practice as the first thoracic surgeon in Jacksonville. She was the homemaker, supporter and driving power behind the scenes for many of the accomplishments recognized in this city. Early on, Helen became actively involved in San Jose Episcopal Church (formerly Grace Chapel). There she served on the Alter Guild, President of the Episcopal Church Women, Cursillo and volunteered on various projects.

A Priest and dear friend’s son, John Roberts lived with the Browns during his senior year of high school. John was the catalyst for the Brown family becoming involved as the family who started American Field Service Exchange Program (AFS) in Duval County and worked locally, statewide, nationally and globally supporting the program. Their first student was Lise Blom Hartvigsen from Oslo, Norway. The Brown family worked for five years on Americans Abroad Program of AFS. This was a life-changing experience for everyone involved; broadening their world perspective to a global understanding of the way our lives are intertwined.

She has been a dedicated, active, contributing member of the St. John’s Cathedral for over 40 years supporting its missions at home and abroad. She is a member of the Daughters of the King. Helen was a founding member of the Memorial Hospital of Jacksonville Auxiliary. Helen was the dedicated record-gatherer and historian for the Memorial Hospital of Jacksonville from the initial idea to its 25th Anniversary. She was relentless in gathering articles and documenting important events.

Helen compiled a history book of the Leeper/MacKnight families with photographs and narrative which she presented to her daughter, Beverly, who will continue the family history recording. Helen was among the driving force recognizing the spiritual value to establishing a Chapel and a Healing Garden at the Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital. Both are serene places to commune with God where there is a sense of safety, healing and inspiration.

Helen was a loving, caring, generous lady who privately did many good deeds. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to the St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, 256 East Church St., Jacksonville, FL 32202.