Billie and Claud Brown have made many contributions in their lives. It is fitting that they be recognized and remembered.

AVOC

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May 29, 2011

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Billie Brown and Dr. Claud Brown - Special People -Oconee County Citizens

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By Wendell Dawson, Editor, AVOC, Inc

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On a recent weekend afternoon, Betty and I had the pleasant experience of visiting Dr. Claud Brown at his home on an unpaved road in the “woods” off Mars Hill Road.   While he very much misses Billie (died 11.14.100), he has a lot of intellectual interests and keeps “plugged in”.   He has improved health wise since Billie’s death but still needs a driver and assistance with household activities.

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Dr Claud Brown, Retired

Warnell School of Forestry

University of Georgia

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We learned that he was recently recognized by the Alumni Association and officials of UGA’s Warnell School of Forestry.   He received the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award, Warnell School of Forestry.   A very interesting and enlightening article about the Award and Claud appeared in the Alumni Association’s Spring 2011 edition of The Log.    The article can be accessed at: Claud Brown receives 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award.Warnell.pdf x

The Log

An Alumni Publication

Warnell School of Forestry

University of GA

            Spring 2011

            http://www.forestry.uga.edu/alumni/magazine.php

Billie Brown

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Claud and his wife Billie are longtime friends of ours.Billie was the friendly librarian as Watkinsville for many years.   She fought a long battle with Alzheimer’s before succumbing last Fall.    Billie was a modest and down to earth person.   We were not aware of all of her past interests and experiences until we read her obituary. It is a worthy read.   Brown.Billie.Obit.11.14.10.pdf x     Here are excerpts:

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“……Billie moved from College Station, Texas, with her family to Athens, GA in July of 1960 when her husband accepted a position with the University of GA. Billie was active in several civic and University organizations. She served as president of the Athens Newcomer's Club in 1961-62 and a similar organization at UGA in 1962-63. She was a member of the University Women's Club from 1960-1972 and served as president during 1969-70. She served as a Girl Scout Leader in Oconee County from 1963-71.

Billie served as Librarian and Branch Manager for the Oconee County Libraries, a position she held until 1997. During her tenure, two libraries were built and the main library in Watkinsville, GA was renovated and doubled in size in 1996-1997. The population of Oconee County doubled in size during this time period. One of her many loves was the reading program for Oconee County children. Billie was a member of the Pilot Club of Athens and a volunteer worker at Athens Regional Medical Center during this time period. She retired as librarian in 1997, but continued to work part time for the Athens Regional Library in technical services and as liaison with the Franklin County Libraries.

She also made time to help care for her widowed mother from 1984-1995, and she found time to vacation in Europe, New Zealand, Australia and China……”

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Betty served on the Library Board during Billie’s time.   Billie was very devoted to the library and helped inspire the building of a new library in the mid-seventies.   Betty and I were actively involved with that project.   I was serving as a member of the Board of Commissioners.   That experience made us close friends.    A picture of Billie in the little crowded library was published and helped the new library campaign.

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Billie Brown, Old Library at Watkinsville Early 1970s

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Billie and Claud have made many contributions in their lives   .It is fitting that they be recognized and remembered.