Gayleatha Beatrice Brown (June 20, 1947 – April 19, 2013) was a United States foreign service officer and ambassador.

She served in several diplomatic posts during her career with the U.S. Department of State including U.S. ambassador to Benin.

Brown's postings with the Department of State included: President Obama nominated Brown for the ambassadorial post to Burkina Faso on July 2, 2009, and she was confirmed by the Senate on August 4.

[4] Ambassador Brown spoke English, French and Swahili.

She wrote poetry, enjoyed reading (particularly mystery novels), and loved dancing, tennis, tai chi, and music (especially gospel, soul, jazz, classical).