Linda Dunn Brown

Dr. Linda Dunn Brown, a beloved and inspiring member of her community, passed away peacefully at her home in West Jefferson, North Carolina, on Sunday, April 20, 2025. She was born on March 20, 1951, in Coral Gables, Florida, to the late Edward F. Dunn and Dorothy Ashe Dunn. Though she was deeply rooted in Miami, where she spent much of her life, Linda and her husband, David found great joy and peace in her later years living in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina.

A Miami native, born and raised in Coral Gables; Linda was educated through the Miami-Dade County Public Schools and graduated with two degrees in Education from the University of Miami. She attained her doctorate in Education in 2002 from Nova Southeastern University. A lifelong educator, Linda served as a teacher, Department Chair, Master Teacher and Administrator. Dr. Brown was also the District Director, then the Administrative Director for the office of Community Services with Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Linda was widely admired for her tireless dedication to her community. A few of her remarkable achievements include being named Woman of Impact by the Women’s History Coalition, The Achiever by Miami Today, Outstanding Young Women of America named her as an honoree, The Orange Award winner by the UM Alumni Association and she received The Betty Ann Good Award from Youth Crime Watch. She served as President of the Junior League of Miami, the Junior Orange Bowl Committee, Youth Crime Watch of Florida and Youth Crime Watch of America, roles through which she touched countless lives. Linda was also a proud member of the Iron Arrow Honor Society at the University of Miami—the highest honor one can achieve at UM—following in her mother’s footsteps, who made history as the first woman ever tapped into the society. Dr. Brown is also a lifelong member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumni Association and was a member of the Board of Directors of Southern Sun Farm Sanctuary, a non-profit horse rescue located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina where she served as Chair.

Beyond her civic and academic accolades, Linda was known for her vibrant spirit and joyful passions. She adored animals, especially her beloved dogs and her “magic ponies” she treasured. Her love for horseback riding, golf, and traveling took her to beautiful places and brought her great happiness throughout her life.

Linda’s warmth, intelligence, and boundless energy inspired all who knew her. She will be remembered not only for her many accomplishments but for the kindness, grace, and enthusiasm she brought to every endeavor.

She leaves behind a community that will deeply miss her, and a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.

Dr. Brown is survived by her husband, David L. Brown, two brothers, Bowman Ashe Dunn and wife, Kathy of Georgia, Gary Edward Dunn and wife, Caron of Florida, nieces and nephews, John Hanford and Lisa Marie Middleton, Todd Edward and Michelle Lynn Dunn, Kathleen Megan Brown, Tim David and Kristen Abigail Myett, Edward Thomas and Annie Dunn and Iris Marie Dunn.

A celebration of Linda’s life will be held at a later date.