**Tyler Legacy Francis Kidd Brown Marks 99 Years**
Tyler, TX – Mrs. Francis Kidd Brown, a revered figure in Tyler's educational and civic landscape, celebrated her 99th birthday on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Born in Jacksonville, Texas, in 1925 to J.C. and Mary Francis Hunter Kidd, Brown's nearly a century of life has been marked by decades of dedication to teaching and community service in East Texas.
Brown's academic journey began with her graduation from Emmett Scott High School in 1942. She furthered her education at Prairie View A&M College before earning her B.A. degree from Texas College ([http://www.texascollege.edu/](http://www.texascollege.edu/)) in 1947. Her commitment to lifelong learning continued, culminating in a Master of Education from Prairie View A&M University in 1969.
Her extensive 34-year career in education began in 1947 at Galilee Junior-Senior High School in Smith County, where she taught for four years. From 1951 to 1970, she served at Emmett Scott High School within the Tyler Independent School District (TISD). She then moved to Hogg Junior High School, also in TISD, from 1970 until her retirement in May 1981.
On a personal note, Mrs. Brown married James Francis Brown on June 10, 1951, at Smith Chapel CME Church. Mr. Brown passed away in 1999. They had two sons, James Francis Brown Jr. and Fredric Stephen Brown, and are proud grandparents to Lauren Alexandra Brown and James Francis Brown III.
Mrs. Brown has demonstrated exceptional commitment to community engagement throughout her life. A lifelong and active member of Smith Chapel CME Church, she has served in numerous capacities, including on the Stewardess Board, the Missionary Society, and as Sunday School Superintendent. She is a charter member and former president of the Kappa Nu Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA Sorority, Inc. at [http://www.aka1908.com/](http://www.aka1908.com/)). Furthermore, she joined the Tyler Chapter of The Links, Incorporated ([http://www.linksinc.org/](http://www.linksinc.org/)) in 1968, leading the chapter as President from 1980 to 1984. She remains active with the Prairie View A&M Ex-Students Association and the Texas College Alumni Association.
Her profound contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2014, Mrs. Brown was inducted into the Tyler ISD Hall of Fame ([http://www.tylerisd.org/](http://www.tylerisd.org/)). She was honored by Smith Chapel's Steward Board in 2018, the same year The Links, Inc. recognized her for 50 years of dedicated service.
