Leonard A Brown's Obituary
Leonard Brown Obituary
It's natural to remember Leonard A. Brown, Sr. as being a Leader, provider, and protector. His selfless nature and sacrificial love were often exemplified in his care for family and friends. But Leonard was also fun-loving, a true jokester and his ‘joaning’ ways had you laughing for days. He was a stranger to none. Often using his signature greeting, “Howdy Howdy!”, Leonard had a unique way of embracing people from all walks of life.
Born to Ned & Ruth Brown on December 3, 1934, Leonard was the third of five children. Along with his siblings, Leonard was raised in West Columbia, South Carolina, and he graduated from Lakeview High School.
In 1954, Leonard enlisted and faithfully served in the United States Army. Upon his honorable discharge from the US Army, Leonard moved to Chicago and began working for Acorn Corrugate Box Company for five years. Later, he established a career with United Parcel Service as a truck driver. For 26 years Leonard, using his famous CB Handle “Brown Jug”, drove the UPS tractor-trailer, which earned him several awards and special acknowledgments.
To know Leonard was to love him. His sense of humor and charming nature captured the hearts of many; one person, in particular, was Julia Mae Rogers, a young girl from Mississippi. After a few months in a pen pal relationship, Leonard asked Julia out on a date and she gladly left Mississippi to be closer to Leonard. Six months later, Leonard and Julia Mae married in December 1958, and from their union six children were born. Most recently, Leonard and Julia Mae celebrated 60 years of marriage proving their love was meant to last.
Along with his wife, Leonard joined Bethel AME church in Chicago where Rev. Jennifer Tinsley is the pastor. It was at Bethel, where Leonard recommitted his heart to the Lord and he began to actively serve in ministry on the usher board.
A true country man at heart Leonard, affectionately known as “Farmer Brown” took pride in gardening and he enjoyed fishing on his boat with friends. Also, Leonard loved to take long road trips. He was a GPS in human form because he could intuitively navigate to any location in the US.
Without a doubt, Leonard was a devoted husband, loving father, and he left a lasting impression on the lives of those who were fortunate to cross his path.
Surrounded by his loving wife and family, Leonard departed this life on Monday, March 11, 2019. Though his presence is no longer with us, Leonard’s love and light will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
Leonard was preceded in death by his father, Ned Brown, his mother, Ruth Brown, Sister, Gwendolyn Marcelle, and son, Brian W. Clayton. Many shall cherish Leonard’s memory: his loving wife: Julia Mae Brown of Chicago, Illinois; his children: Leonard Alfred Brown (Nellie Brown) of Orange Park, Florida; Mildred Brown of Chicago, Anthony Brown (Bonita Brown) of Concord, California; Tarathe Brown of Gary, Indiana; Dometrives “Pam” Armstrong (Willie Armstrong) of Chula Vista, California; and Valerie Taylor of Chicago, Illinois; two brothers: Melvin Brown of Columbia, South Carolina; Hayes Lionel Brown (Evelena Brown) of Harvey, Illinois; and one sister: Lula Marissa Burkette of Harvey, Illinois; 22 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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