headshot of Zella BrownPrince William County Public Schools (PWCS) mourns the passing of longtime educator and civil rights pioneer Zella Salley Brown, who passed away on June 30, 2026, at the age of 90.

Brown dedicated more than 30 years to educating PWCS students and helped shape the division’s history as one of the Courageous Four—the four African American educators selected in 1964 to integrate the teaching staff of PWCS.

Brown began her career in education teaching fourth grade at the Antioch-McCrae School, one of several schools in Prince William County built for African American students. 

With one day’s notice, she was transferred from the Haymarket school to the then all-White Loch Lomond Elementary School, where she spent the next 24 years teaching first and second grade until her retirement in 1988.

A Virginia Union University graduate, Brown dedicated her career to serving children with humility, compassion, and excellence. Although her role in desegregating PWCS was historic, Brown remained a humble leader, once declining the opportunity to have a school named for her because she preferred to be a “leader from behind.”

Over the years, Brown participated in numerous efforts to preserve the story of the Courageous Four, including a 2018 stage production and the 2022 unveiling of a historical marker honoring the educators. She was the last surviving member of the “Courageous Four.”

“Mrs. Brown’s courage helped open doors for future generations of students and educators,” said Superintendent Dr. LaTanya D. McDade. “Her quiet strength, unwavering commitment to children, and dedication to educational equity leave an enduring legacy that will forever be part of the history of Prince William County Public Schools.”

PWCS extends its deepest condolences to Brown’s daughter, Natalie, her family, friends, former students, and all whose lives were touched by her extraordinary example of service, courage, and grace.