Bessie Patricia Carter Brown loved being involved with education, her family said.

In a career that spanned more than 30 years, Mrs. Brown taught in Richmond Public Schools, at Reynolds Community College and finally at Richmond Preparatory Academy.

Those who knew her admired her ability to handle classroom challenges without raising her voice.

Her role in educating thousands of students during her career is being remembered following her death Friday, Dec. 23, 2022. She was 78.

Family and friends paid final tributes to her Friday, Jan. 6, at Third Street Bethel AME Church, where she was a lifelong member.

Born in Richmond, Mrs. Brown, who was called “Pat” by those close to her, began her career after graduating from Maggie Walker High School in the city and completing her degree at Virginia Commonwealth University. She later added a master’s degree from VCU.

She was a reading specialist at several RPS elementary schools and at least one middle school before moving on to Reynolds, where she was involved in testing and teaching. After retiring, she spent four years at the Richmond Preparatory Academy before fully retiring in 2010.

Mrs. Brown was a member of various reading and education associations and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Survivors include her daughter, Charmayne B. Vincent; sisters Lillian C. McCollum and Cynthia C. Brown; and a grandson.