2012 Gems & Jewels Honoree

Mary L. Brown

Mary L. Brown grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and graduated from A.H. Parker High School. She attended Lamar School of Nursing at University Hospital in Augusta, Georgia, graduating in 1951. Mrs. Brown moved to San Diego with her husband and two children in 1958. She was employed at Paradise Valley Hospital, County Mental Health and Southwood Psychiatric Hospital. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science from Chapman College in 1981. She also attended Clown School and has entertained many adults and children in hospitals, senior residential facilities and others.

After retirement from Southwood Psychiatric Hospital in 1995, she became a senior athlete. With her growing interest in disease prevention and wellness she participated in long distance running, cycling and swimming (once she learned to swim after retirement). She won two gold medals in the 2008 Senior Olympics swim competition. A highlight of her athletic involvement was as a torch bearer in the 1984 Olympics.

Mary Brown is a certified yoga instructor and she teaches yoga here at the George L. Stevens Senior Center as a volunteer service to the community. She has participated in many running and cycling events benefiting American Heart Disease, American Diabetes Association, and HIV/AIDS organizations, to name a few. She enjoys encouraging old and young to practice being healthy.

She is a member of the San Diego Black Nurses Association and the San Diego Major Taylor Cycling Club.