Alna “Pearl” Brown’s life illuminated the finest qualities of a beautiful “lady in service.” During her campaign for chapter president of the Top Ladies of Distinction, Ladera Chapter, Pearl often quoted, “Well done is better than well said.”
For 34 years, Pearl was immersed in being a “Top Lady,” serving in a myriad of positions including area VI director for the Western States; Top Teens advisor; second vice president and liaison to the American Heart/Stroke Association.
On November 8, 2019, Lady Alna “Pearl” Brown passed away. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, Nov. 22, at 11 a.m., at First AME Church, 2270 S. Harvard Blvd., in Los Angeles.
When Pearl’s parents moved to Los Angeles from Mississippi in 1945, the family became members of FAME. Growing up in the congregation provided her with a foundational training for charity, volunteerism and faith-driven leadership. She became a founding member of Usher Board # 3 and a tireless fundraiser.
In 1968, when the church changed its location from downtown Los Angeles to Harvard Blvd., Pearl was crowned “Queen of 8th and Towne” in a parade commemorating the event under the administration of then-Pastor H.H. Brookins. She was crowned “Queen of FAME” a second time during the celebration of the church’s 125th Anniversary during the tenure of Pastor Cecil L. “Chip” Murray.
Pearl’s commitment to community empowerment was demonstrated in other arenas as well. She became a life member in both the NAACP and the National Council of Negro Women and an enthusiastic volunteer for the United Negro College Fund and “These Three Words,” an organization established to support families of terminally ill children at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles.
Her outstanding accomplishments led to Pearl being the recipient of a myriad of awards including Area VI Top Lady of the Year; The These Three Words’ Faith, Hope and Love Award, and honoree of the Queen Esther Order of the Eastern Stars.
For 56 years, Pearl was happily married to Melroy C. Brown II. Her greatest joy came from raising their two sons, Melroy III and Marcus, and spending time with her grandchildren. Her son, Melroy, said, “All that is good in me results from the love and support that I received from my mom.”
