Uncrowned Community Builders

Mary Alice was born February 4, 1933 in Chester, South Carolina to loving parents, Willie and Geneva Worthy. She was one of five children - brothers David, Ernest and Glenn and sister, Wilma Virginia. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina where she was a star on the women's basketball team. She went on to earn a Master's of Education Degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo. While in Buffalo, she met Columbus Brown, Jr. In 1959 they married and two years later their beloved daughter Denise June was born.

Mary Alice was a passionate and dedicated educator serving the Buffalo Public School District for 37 years. She taught sixth grade at the old School 12 and at the Frank A. Sedita Academy, formerly School 38 where she supplemented standard school curriculum to honor Black History and educate students on the achievements of African Americans. A devoted member of St. John Baptist Church, Mary Alice served for many years as the church clerk and on its Board of Christian Education.

Over the years, Mary Alice received numerous awards and honors in connection with her professional career and her community service. Among those most special to her were: receiving recognition of her over 26 years of service to the AKA Leadership Intern Development Project; being given the prestigious Iota Phi Lambda "Apple for the Teacher" award; and being featured in the Courier Express newspaper as "Public Servant of the Week."

Mary Alice (or "mare" as she was affectionately called by friends) was not shy and was outspoken on things that mattered to her. Within minutes of meeting Mare everyone knew thee things about her; she bragged a lot about her daughter and grandchildren; she loved the Buffalo Bills; and she was a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Often seen wearing something with pink and/or green in it, Mary Alice was a life member and Golden Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and a charter member of Xi Epsilon Omega Chapter, Amherst, New York. She faithfully served her sorority for over 62 years and enjoyed attending regional and national sorority events with her Sorors. When no traveling with her daughter or being serenaded by her favorite artist, Kern, Mare loved to visit the casinos and play her beloved slot machines!

Sundays were sacred for Mary Alice, not just because it was the Lord's Day, but also because she always had season tickets to the Buffalo Bills. She faithfully attended home games with her baby brother Glenn, but football was not the only sport she loved. Mary Alice shared a passion for basketball, specifically the Los Angeles Lakers with her son-in-love Ray and her West coast friends. In her home Mary Alice proudly displayed a photo of Earvin "Magic" Johnson along with her court side ticket stubs from a Lakers game. She loved Magic but her all-time favorite player was Kobe Bryant. In addition to her love of sports, Mare's social life was full and fulfilling and she enjoyed being a member of the Fabulous Five and the Third Sunday Card Club.

In addition to her daughter Denise, Mary Alice had two grandchildren, Rahsaan Elijah Robinson and Tylese Geneva Rideout.