Dr. Selestine Brown-Skipper, Phd

Dr. Selestine Brown Skipper, the youngest of six children, was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi on February 24, 1950, to the unidrlof Clemmie and Nolan Brown. Selestine confessed Christ as her personal savior at a very early age. Selestine's family affectionately called her Selestine Angela. She was truly their pillar of strength. Selestine attended Myrtle Hall Grade School and Higgins High School in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Earning an exemption from the eleventh and twelfth grades, Selestine received her high school diploma at the young age of fifteen and enrolled at Mississippi Valley State University. She then transferred to Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi where she completed her undergraduate studies, earning her Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education. Selestine continued her studies at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she earned her Master of Science Degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Speech and Hearing Impairment. At Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, she earned her second Master of Science Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision. In 1996, she earned her Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Special Education at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. As a highly acclaimed American Sign Language interpreter for the deaf, it was an honor for Selestine to be selected as the American Sign Language interpreter when President Bill Clinton delivered the commencement address at Southern Illinois University. Selestine relished spending time with her family and friends. She and her former husband, Robert Skipper, were blessed with two sons, Robert Earl and Ronald Elon, the loves of their lives. Selestine began her professional career in the Chicago Public Schools as a teacher of the hearing impaired and was later promoted to the position of Special Education Supervisor. In 1998, she moved to Milwaukee and was employed by the Milwaukee Public Schools as a teacher at Phyllis Wheatley School. She gave her heart to all of her endeavors and was a dedicated and hardworking employee. She was promoted to the positions of Special Education Supervisor and Principal in the Milwaukee Public Schools. Throughout her professional career, Selestine was a sought-after American Sign Language interpreter for many professional and political organizations. In April of 2000, Selestine became a proud member of the Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. On January 10, 2017, the Lord wrapped Selestine in his loving arms and carried her Home. Selestine was preceded in death by her parents, Clemmie and Nolan Brown and her brother, James Leslie Brown. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving sons, Robert Earl Skipper of San Bernardino, California and Ronald Elon Skipper of Chicago, Illinois; three sisters, Maxine Orey of Jackson, Mississippi, Clementine Brunson of Chicago, Illinois, and Lenora Brown (Albert) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; a brother, Nolan Brown Jr. (Joyce) of New Albany, Ohio; five grandchildren, Ronald Skipper Jr. of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Robert J. Skipper, Johari Skipper, Caleb Skipper, and Jeremy Skipper of Chicago, Illinois; one great grandchild; four nieces; eleven nephews; one great niece; a special friend, Hank Robinson; and a host of extended family members, friends, and other loved ones who cherished and loved her dearly.

Dr. Selestine Brown-Skipper, Phd

February 24, 1950 - January 10, 2017