Columbia Association Honors The Life and Legacy of Former CA President Maggie Brown
 On Thursday, January 28, former CA President Maggie Brown passed away peacefully with her family by her side. The Columbia Association (CA) and our community have lost an extraordinary woman who not only played a tremendous part in Columbia’s unique history, but also helped shape our city’s bright future. She possesses a lifetime of remarkable and noteworthy achievements – from overcoming racism and diversity in her hometown to becoming the first female, African American leader at CA.
Maggie Janine Earle was born on December 12, 1939 in Sun, West Virginia. Growing up, she spent much of her time reading and teaching herself about life outside of her small, segregated town. After graduating from Stratton High School in Beckley, WV, Maggie attended Bluefield State College, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and a minor in math.
Eventually, Maggie moved to Washington, D.C. and on August 24, 1962, Maggie married Nesbitt Brown. They moved to the Village of Harper’s Choice in Columbia in 1970, where they raised three children: Kevin, Angela and Michael.
Maggie’s journey at CA was a remarkable one. In 1982, Maggie became sales manager of CA’s Membership Service Center. Though she briefly left CA, she returned to the organization in 1993 as the division director of Community Services. Because of her dedication, hard work and commitment to the Columbia community, she received the honor of becoming CA’s first female, African American president on July 14, 2001.
Among the short list of her many contributions to CA, Maggie began the strategic planning process, overseeing major renovations at CA’s fitness facilities and she helped CA retain a AA bond rating. Additionally, under her leadership, Columbia was twice voted one of the best places to live in the country by Money magazine.
In addition to her numerous volunteer efforts and committee positions, Maggie was named as one of the “25 Who Made a Difference” recipients by Columbia magazine and as one of the “10 Outstanding Howard County Business Women.” She was a member of the Howard County Women’s Hall of Fame and received an honorary Doctor of Human Letters from Hood College for her great accomplishment, commitment to values and service to the community. Finally, in 2008, Maggie was honored with the Exemplar Award from the Howard County Chamber of Commerce for her extraordinary service and commitment to the business community.
From wife and mother to executive and volunteer, Maggie has been, and will always be, a tremendous figure in Columbia’s rich history. Maggie’s hard work, unyielding commitment and, above all, cheerful disposition is everlasting – and will be felt for generations to come.
The Brown Family welcomes donations to the Maggie Brown Endowment Fund at the Columbia Foundation as memorial tributes. Contributions may be sent to the Columbia Foundation, 10227 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD 21044. Checks should be made payable to the Columbia Foundation; please designate the Maggie Brown Endowment Fund on the memo line. |
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