Betty Jean Johnson Brown

Mrs. Betty Jean Johnson Brown, lifelong educator and Head of The Langley School from 1980 to 1999 died peacefully at her home on February 23, 2025, at the magnificent age of 96.  

While working on her master’s degree in social work at the University of North Carolina in 1950, Betty met the love of her life, and husband of 67 years, Bob. Betty graduated from Meredith College in Raleigh, NC with a double major in psychology and philosophy. She earned her M.S.W. in counseling and psychiatric social work with children from the University of North Carolina and her M.Ed. in school administration from the University of Virginia. 

Earlier in her career, Betty was a child welfare social worker in North Carolina and Rhode Island where she impacted children, their families, and the greater community. Additionally, she was an instructor in Child Development at Duke University and a therapist at Duke’s child guidance clinic. 

In 1967, Betty became a kindergarten teacher at The Langley School in McLean, VA. That was the beginning of her lifelong dedication to the Langley community. Between 1967 and 1980 Betty held various leadership positions at Langley, including Admissions Director, Director of the Summer School, Director of Preschool, and the Assistant Head of School. 

In 1980, Betty was promoted to Head Mistress of The Langley School. During her 19-year tenure, Betty’s leadership and business acumen expanded Langley’s physical plant, established a comprehensive enriched program in the arts and academics, and doubled its enrollment to become t]he largest independent elementary school in Virginia. Her business skill was balanced by her gentle nurturance and the genuine care she had for her many students, parents, and faculty to grow, learn, and reach their potential.  A former teacher said, “She was a cherished mentor who started me on my path and profession. She saw something in me long before I saw it in myself.  My debt to her is tremendous.” Betty built relationships with ease and helped others see their value and potential. 

Among the many rewards and honors she received, Betty always said that the greatest of all was having former students say that next to the love of their parents, their Langley education has been the most important and valuable experiences of their lives. As a tribute to her leadership, Langley named their Lower School building in her honor. 

After retirement from 31 years at the Langley School, Betty’s love of educating children led her to new leadership roles. She served as Interim Head at The Green Acres School, and Trustee to several independent schools. Unwilling to retire, Betty continued her leadership for 15 years at The Woods Academy, first, as Interim Head and then for 14 years as the Grandparents’ Coordinator. In this role, she brought her fundraising expertise to the school’s capital campaigns by fostering relationships with grandparents. Betty valued and enjoyed these relationships and Grandparents Day grew from five grandparents to 100s. Betty’s focus on creating a strong grandparents’ culture at the school still exists today. 

Betty’s contributions to education extended beyond Northern Virginia to national and international leadership roles. She chaired the School Heads Advisory Committee for the National Association of Independent Schools and served as Vice President of the Virginia Association of Independent Schools. She was also President of the Elementary School Heads Association and the Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington. Betty spoke internationally at preparatory schools in Europe presenting on American elementary school education, leadership, and culture. 

Betty is survived by her loving children, son Christopher Brown, daughters Carolyn “Cally” Brown Lerew (and husband David Lerew) and Jennifer “Jenny” Brown Sheehan (and husband Sean Sheehan), her sister Clara Hurley and three grandsons, D. Lee Lerew (and wife Katlin Lerew), Owen Sheehan and Andrew Sheehan. Betty is predeceased by her loving husband Bob and her brothers A.L. and Robert Johnson. 

Betty will be sorely missed by her family, friends, and the many lives she has touched through the years. A funeral of Thanksgiving will be held Saturday, April 12, at 11 am at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 6715 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101. 

In place of flowers, contributions in memory of Mrs. Betty Brown may be made to Langley School, 1411 Balls Hill Rd., McLean, VA 22101, or to The Woods Academy, 6801 Greentree Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817.