19/08/2026
TRIBUTE TO MRS SHARON BROWN
(10 December 1960 - 18 August 2026)
It is with a heavy heart and a profound sense of loss that we share the news of the passing of former Head of College, Sharon Brown. A much-loved, highly respected, and steadfast member of the Oakhill staff for over 30 years, Sharon’s impact on our community has been immeasurable. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Danie, Katheryne (Old Oak 2003), Jeanne (Old Oak 2005), Lara (Old Oak 2010), Sharon’s mother, Glenn and the entire family.
Sharon’s journey with Oakhill began after moving from Pretoria to Knysna. Even before her official appointment, she invested herself deeply in this community, serving on the PTA amongst other things. She formally joined the teaching staff in 1995 under founding Headmaster Mr Allan Graham, bringing her immense passion for the humanities to the classroom. Whether teaching Grade 8 Integrated Studies or senior FET classes, Sharon taught with energy, rigour, and relevance encouraging generations of students to question, think critically and care deeply.
Sharon’s influence extended far beyond Oakhill and Knysna. As an IEB Matric marker in 1997, Sharon rose to senior sub-examiner roles and served as IEB Cluster Leader for History and Geography. In 2010, she organized and led a 5-day Geography conference and field trip across Knysna, Plett, and the Little Karoo, an initiative that sparked the creation of The Southern African Geography Teachers Organisation. Outside of education, Sharon served the Knysna community through the running club and the church giving so much of herself in these and other causes.
Over three decades, Sharon served Oakhill with distinction, taking on numerous critical roles including the Deputy Head of Academics, College Academic Director before ultimately serving as Head of College until her retirement. Through every season of school transition, Sharon provided unshakeable stability, grace, wisdom and integrity.
Sharon’s classroom was a place of belonging where every student was known, respected, challenged and inspired. Her influence remains everywhere at Oakhill whether supporting students to overcome challenges or guiding them to outstanding achievements and academic excellence, countless lives have been enriched by her mentorship and guidance.
The more than 30 years of tireless effort and dedication to Oakhill is more than a measure of time, it is a remarkable and enduring legacy. Sharon will be deeply missed and never forgotten by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Today Oakhill stands taller and prouder because of Sharon Brown.
MR JAMES CROSS (HEAD OF SCHOOL)
