NEWBERRY — Vivianna Plarza Brown, who passed in December of last year, left behind a legacy of kindness, achievement and service to the Newberry community that is preserved in the hearts’ of many.
Born on Jan. 20, 1946, Brown attended Drayton Elementary School during the time of segregation.
“We were both involved with music and sports at the high school and elementary school,” said childhood friend John Martin, who, although they were the same age, considered Brown to be a big sister. “I was a little skinny fellow and she was always tall.”
Brown, a veritable Renaissance woman, was a member of the drama club, science club, marching band and basketball team while attending Gallman High.
“Girls that participated in sports, back then they would call them tomboys,” said Martin. “She would just laugh it off.”
Once, Martin recalled, Brown scored 54 points in a single basketball game, a school record. Brown averaged 35 points per game and her basketball prowess earned her the nickname “Plunk,” the sound of a ball travelling through the net.
“She was really kind, outspoken and friendly. She could mingle with people. I was kind of shy and bashful, I would send her to do the talking for me,” Martin said. “She was well respected among the student body and the faculty members.”
Brown not only distinguished herself athletically but also scholastically and would go on to be elected Senior Class President.
In addition to being classmates, Brown and Martin grew up together as members of Miller Chapel AME Church in Newberry.
“Really our friendship started there and just grew right there in that church,” Martin said. “She was a member when she passed and I’m a member too.”
Brown graduated from Gallman in 1963 and went on to attend Allen University where, in 2008, she became the first female inducted into their hall of fame.
Brown retired after a 30-year career as an educator in public schools but remained active in numerous organizations including Pi Beta Omega Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, New Enoree Golden Ministry, New Jerusalem Order of Eastern Star #58 and the Women’s Missionary Society.
“Anytime anyone needed somebody to volunteer and help with programs at the church or her sorority, she was always there,” Martin said.
Brown’s kindness and sense of service set an example for all people which will not soon be forgotten said Martin.
“Friendship is something you can’t just borrow or purchase, it has to come from the heart,” he said. “(Brown) was a big hearted person.”