Dr. Donald Brown
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV)
Loveland Church
17977 Merrill Avenue Fontana, CA 92335
Officiating Pastors
Pastor Charles E. Singleton, Sr. Pastor, Loveland Church
Rev. Wayne Chaney Jr., Antioch Church of Long Beach
Rev. John Cager, Presiding Elder, Midwest North District A.M.E.
Saturday, May 13, 2023 11:00 A.M.
Processional Clergy and Family
Call to Worship
Welcome and Prayer
Rev. Dr. Howard McLendon
Old Testament Scripture Reading
Deacon Sharon Dean
New Testament Scripture Reading
Rev. Kenneth Dean
Musical Selection
Cheville McKenzie
Special Remarks
Fr. Michael Davidson, SJ – Boston College
Donald Bunch – Concerned Black Men of Massachusetts
Honorable James Collins, The Massachusetts Years
Time of Remembrance
(Please limit your remarks to two minutes.)
Family Remarks
Linda John - Sister
Andrew Brown - Son
Cheryl Brown - Wife and Best Friend
Acknowledgements & Resolutions
Hazel Stanton
Musical Selection
Lynn Mack
Video Presentation
Reading of The Life Story of Dr. Donald Brown
Raymond Frost
Musical Selection
Karen Wiggins
The Eulogy
Pastor Charles E. Singleton
The Recessional
How does one encapsulate a life well lived? It is virtually impossible to capture the influence one man has had on so many lives. This brief summary will attempt to highlight the journey of Donald Brown, without the specificity that would result in this obituary becoming a book. If you knew him, you would know.
Donald Brown was born to Robert Brown and Lula Mae Moore on February 4, 1948, in the Bronx, New York. His mother died when he was five years old, just shy of his sixth birthday. Donald’s father died in 1960, when he was just 12 years old. The early demise of his parents was a pivotal moment in the lives of Don and his siblings. Early on, Donald made a conscious decision, not only to survive his circumstance, but to live a life of purpose. At the age of 11, Donald found himself alone in his apartment, praying for God’s protection. From that day on, he felt he was under God’s covering and Don honored God by serving others to his fullest capacity all the days of his life.
Don and his siblings were eventually separated and sent to live with different family members. Until college, Donald’s home was with Reverend Arthur William Clayton and his wife Emily.
Donald thrived at Springfield College in western Massachusetts, where he majored as an undergraduate in Community Development, and also received a Master of Education. He found the value of what the late Congressman, John Lewis, would term “Good Trouble,” and became one of the student leaders demanding equal rights and equal justice. His experience at Springfield College lit a fire in him to fight for what is right. That fire was never to be extinguished.
Donald met Cheryl Harvey while both studied and graduated from Springfield College, and she became his wife of 42 years. On October 4, 2021, Donald was inducted into the inaugural class of his alma mater’s Hall of Fame of Alumni Achievers.
Donald continued his education at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst where he became the country’s youngest director of Upward Bound. He touched the lives of hundreds of high school students, many of whom went on to a four-year institution. Some of those students would eventually pay it forward to youth they encountered, keeping lit the torch he passed to them.
In the early 70’s, Don ventured to Boston to serve as Regional Director of the Department of Youth Services. Again, he was in the position to touch the lives of troubled and marginalized youth. He served in this capacity until he made his life-changing decision to accept the position of Director of the Office of AHANA Student Programs at Boston College. Don really spread his wings during his 27 years there. He was proficient in listening attentively to students and fostering collaborative relations between diverse sectors of university communities, both of which were fundamental to student satisfaction, retention, and graduation. He was especially proud of two honors that he received from Boston College.
Since 2006, the University has presented the Dr. Donald Brown Award to “an outstanding senior who, throughout their career, has made extraordinary contributions to the Boston College community in ways that have benefited African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American (AHANA) students in areas of leadership, service, and academic development.”
In 2013, the Black Student Forum, Boston College’s preeminent student organization, decided to name its annual luncheon in Donald’s honor. This does not begin to capture the contribution and dedication that Don had for those students who had the good fortune to pass through the always open doors of his office. You know the tree by the fruit it bears. There are countless students who acknowledge the influence that Don had on their lives and the encouragement he gave them to go forward and to do great things.
Donald’s impact was not limited to Boston College. In addition to his work in higher education, he was also proud of his avocation a program development specialist for youth which directly led to him establishing, or playing a major role in, founding youth organizations both on college campuses and in the larger community. Among these initiatives are the Benjamin Elijah Mays Mentoring Program, Concerned Black Men of Massachusetts, Inc., Christian Soldiers, Inc., and Bridging Bridges. The common denominator in all of these programs is mentoring and placing youth on a path to college and ultimately to successful lives.
While doing all of this, Don received his Doctorate degree in Education Administration from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. That was a full-circle moment for him. His educational journey ended where he began his professional journey. Through his working full-time and taking classes, Don coached others and encouraged their perseverance to obtain their degrees.
Donald also left his mark on California State Polytechnic University Pomona, Community Christian College, and Azusa Pacific University. Even while battling cancer, he never ceased to reach out to students and offer encouraging words and advice. He often remarked that he felt that education was his ministry. It is the hope of those who knew and loved him, that when he transitioned, he head the words, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.”
Early on Palm Sunday, the second day of April 2023, Dr. Donald Brown entered the gates of Heaven. Don leaves to celebrate his life, his wife Cheryl Harvey-Brown; son Andrew and daughter-in-law Nicole Brown; two grandsons Andrew Jr. and Jordan Brown; three sisters Linda John, Judy and brother-in-law Michael Thomas, and Geraldine Moore; sister-in-law Carolyn Platt; brother-in-law Brian Platt; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in rest by his two brothers Alfred Moore and Robert Brown, Sr..
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord,
Dan Bunch
Steven Corral
James Collins
LaCount Jones
Lonnie Sherman
Marshall Stanton
Ricardo Townes
An old African proverb states, “It takes a village to raise a child.” From birth to our transition, we encounter people who impact our lives. They touch us, and their influences help to shape the person we have become. We are encouraged, comforted, and corrected by those who love and care for us. These individuals become our village…they become our family.
Over the past weeks, we have been strengthened and lifted by our village. Members of our village have shown up in unexpected and humbling ways. We are able to stand because each of you have undergirded us and refused to let us fall. Please know that your expressions of kindness and generosity of spirit is appreciated and will never be forgotten. We sincerely thank you.
Long Beach Colonial Mortuary
638 Atlantic Boulevard Long Beach, CA 90802
Memorial Program by Esther Alexander (909) 633-6990