Reflections of life McKinley Brown known as M.C. by all who knew him. He was born on Friday, July 16, 1943, to the proud and spiritual parents, Mrs. Willie Henry Shepard Brown and Mr. Percy Lee Brown, in Hollywood, Mississippi, county of Tunica. He was the “baby” of the family of eight from this union. M.C. confessed his life to Christ at an early age at Macedonia M.B. Church in Hollywood, Mississippi, under the leadership of the late Pastor V.B. Brown. M.C. was educated in the Hollywood School and left Mississippi as a teenager with his nephew Jimmy, who was one year younger than him; and he continued his education in the Indiana Public School and pursued work in Indianapolis, Indiana. He later moved to Joliet, Illinois, at the age of 24 in December of 1967 with his brother, Willie. M.C. was currently a member of the Shiloh Baptist Church located at 18101 West Oak Avenue in Lockport, Illinois, under the leadership of Pastor Richard D. House. He worked for Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Company and was honored in grateful recognition upon retirement for 35 years of service with the company in 2003. After retirement, he continued to work and was employed with the Joliet Public Library in 2007. He received the 10 Year Anniversary Service Award for his outstanding dedication, hard work, and commitment to the library. M.C. was diagnosed in 2005 with cancer. His wife described him as “The strongest man I know .”God helped him fight the battle for 17 amazing years. He never complained and was jolly all the time. M.C. met the love of his life “Shirley” in 2007 at the library where they both worked. Remember he was very debonaire …he told her that every day I see you; I want you to give me a hug; next, he started saying, now every day I see you, I want you to give me a kiss. He later asked Shirley if she would be his sweetheart, and after seven years, he proposed, and they were married on April 17, 2014. What an amazing love story! M.C. was a suave man, other synonyms to describe him . . . smooth, polished, charming, polite, mannerly, courteous, and a “teddy bear.” His wardrobe was always on point, and he made sure he was groomed (shaved and clean) every day. If he were on social media, he would have been trending or going viral (lol). His last trip to Mississippi was March 29, 2019, about a year before the COVID-19 pandemic. He would visit his relatives in Indianapolis, Indiana, quite frequently. He was a family man, and he loved God, his wife, his mom, dad, siblings, nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren, and friends. He always found a way to keep you laughing with his stories and jokes. We loved his sense of humor. He answered his call on Friday, February 11, 2022, with his wife by his side at 9:30 p.m. in the comfort and serenity of his home in Joliet, Illinois, at the age of 78 years, 6 months, and 26 days. He was the last sibling of the Brown Family. M.C. will be missed by all, especially his wife of 15 wonderful years, Mrs. Shirley Brown. Their children: Martadious (Megan) Brown of Joliet, Illinois, Pamela Brown and Sheila Brown of Memphis, Tennessee, Sycara Roper of Round Lake, Illinois, Seneca Roper of Chicago, Illinois and Nathaniel Roper of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin; one god-child, Jamya Orasco of Joliet, Illinois. He was preceded in death by one son, Darryl Brown of Memphis, Tennessee. Their nieces and nephews: Bobby, Donald (Linda), Emma, Luevenia, Clara, Shirley (Keith), Vera, Linda, Dollie, Josephine, Carlester (Sandra), Claude(Joann), McKinley(Annie), Wallace (Kathy), Dianne (Tony), Virginia (Aubrey), Milton, Dorothy, Sandra (Jerry), Carol (Ronald), Curtis, Gloria, Janet, Melody, Richard, Willie Jr. (Jennal) and TheirRosemary.22grandchildren: Jayden, DaVine, Destin, Alex, Jael, Simone, Syria, Malik, Terrance Jr., Raneasha, Seneca Jr., Demetrius, Nathaniel Jr., Isaiah, Angel, Nevaeh, and a host of great, great-great, and great-great-great nieces and nephews, other family members, neighbors, co-workers, friends, and community.
Genesis 1: 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply.
•Percy Lee Brown and Willie Henry Shepard Brown were united in holy matrimony in 1924 and lived in Lobdell, MS. They were both members of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church. To this union, eight children were born: Ida, Edna, Lucille, Tealacy, P.L., Joliet, Willie, M.C. (3rd Generation). Now from this generation we are at the 7th generation, and by God’s grace, we are headed to the 8th generation soon! Sarah Brown had two sisters: Fannie (John Will) Clark and Lottie Perry. Aunt Lottie had three sons, McKinley Perry, Johnny Perry, and Willie Henry Perry.
•Their father, Percy Lee Brown born June 25, 1900, in Greenville, Mississippi, to Mrs. Sarah “SWEET MOTHER” Brown~ 1871 to 1955 (age 84) & Mr. Percy Edward Brown (1st Generation from record keeping). He was an only child (2nd Generation). Sunset: April 11, 1976, Age 75
The Brown Family Heavenly Reunion Ida Mae Brown (Fred) Nixon November 3, 1921 - March 3, 1980 Age 58 Lucille Brown (Doe) Carter September 27, 1925 - January 6, 2011 Age 85 Tealacy Brown (Archie) Woods June 1, 1929 - July 6, 1982 Age 53 Edna Brown (Joe) Daley May 27, 1927 - November 24, 2017 Age 90 Willie Brown July 2, 1933 - October 31, 1988 Age 55 Percy Lee (Gracie)Brown July 11, 1931 - October 6, 1999 Age 68 Joliet (Ester) Brown January 31, 1924 - February 20, 2000 Age 76 McKinley (Shirley) Brown July 16, 1943 - February 11, 2022 Age 78
•Their mother, Willie Henry Shepard born April 24, 1905, in Greenville, Mississippi, to Mrs. Jeffrey Washington Trotter Shepard~ 1890 t0 1955 (age 75) and Mr. Henry Shepard. Sunset: February 20, 1988, Age 82
I will always love you, your wife... Shirley
Until we meet again in heaven, where the best is yet to be.
The Hardest Thing For Me... Letting Go
But Jesus knew the answer, and I knew He loved you very much, So I gave to you life’s greatest gift, The gift of letting go. Now my heart will carry MEMORIES of the love you gave to me
Forever Your Husband, M.C.
A Very Special Love
The angels gathered near your bed, so very close to you, For they knew the pain and suffering you were going through, I thought about so many things, so I held tightly to your hand and massaged your head, Oh, how I wished that you were strong and laughing happily once again. But your eyes were looking homeward, to that place beyond the sky, Where Jesus held his outstretched arms, it was time to say good-bye. I struggled with my selfish thoughts, for I wanted you to stay, So we could walk and talk again, like we did just two days before.
To My Wonderful Wife . . . The Love of My Life For every smile you gave me for standing by my side for taking care of my every need. Your love along my journey, was an ever-present guide. For every moment of every day, for all those things you did for me words can’t express my love and gratitude to you for always being there. You will always be my only love. I LOVE YOU, HONEY! Thank you for our 15-year romance!!!
Love, Your Father
To My Grandchildren
To My Daughters, Pamela & Sheila
To All of My Many Nieces & Nephews
If I could only give you one thing in this life, I would give you the ability to see yourself how I see you. Your love, kindness, and how happy I am for you both. You helped me to realize how to treat a lady the way you want to be treated. If you had the ability to see yourself how I see you, then perhaps you would be able to understand just how special you are to me.
To My Blended Family Sycara, Seneca, & NathanielFamily isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what. Thank you all for accepting me into your life. Love,
Remember that life is too short, so laugh when you can, as I always did with you all. Apologize when you should and let go of what you can’t change. Love deeply and forgive quickly. Take chances, give everything, and have no regrets. Life is too short to be unhappy. You have to take the good with the bad. Love what you got, and always remember what you had. Always forgive but never forget. Learn from your mistakes but never regret. People change, and things go wrong, but always remember …life goes on.
To My Son
Love, Uncle Mack “M.C.”
LovingM.C.
Love, Pops
There’s a very special place within my heart reserved just for you. It’s a place where I store precious memories of your childhood. Endeared you to me, the sound of your laughter, the sight of your tears. All of this I have saved. Those years were so precious, but oh, how quickly they passed! Oh, so proud am I of the time you gave me. So proud am I of the service you gave to our country. As I look at you, I want you to know that I am filled with pride for the fine and decent man that you have become, married and with kids. I am grateful beyond words for the happiness which you brought me. I love you deeply, Son, and I thank you for adding so much joy and laughter to my life!
Martadious “ Mitchie”
Tributes from M.C.
You all are so special in each and every way. I loved every moment that we could be together. I am grateful for the love that we had to share. know that my heart is always there. light up my life in so many ways with the the best blessing I could ever receive, for you
herished CMemories
Celebration Processional............................................................................................Clergy, Pallbearers, The Brown Family Old Testament Scripture (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)......................................Pastor Tony McKay, Morning Star Church New Testament Scripture (Revelation 21: 1-4)............................................Milton “Ricky” Woods, Joliet, Illinois Prayer.......................................................................................................Carlester Daley, Indianapolis, Indiana Musical Selection......................................................................................................Uncle Mack’s Favorite Song “Cooling Water” Words of Encouragement.............................................................................................Pastor Herbert Brooks, Jr. Expressions of Love (Respectfully 3 Minutes Please) Joseph Morgan, E J & E Railway Donald Carter, Representing Indiana Claude Daley, Representing Mississippi Melody Woods, Representing Solo...........................................................................................................WallaceIllinois Daley, Horn Lake, Mississippi Resolutions and Eulogy..............................................................................................PastorAcknowledgments McKinley Daley, Dundee, Mississippi Recessional I pray you all be ready for His return; I pray that we’ll get our business straight, so we can all meet at the gate. I pray we all BE READY for His return!!! 23rd Psalm The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.. AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! Homegoing Celebration of Lifie Wednesday, February 23, 2022 Memorial Viewing | 9:30 a.m. Celebration Service | 10:00 a.m. St. John Missionary Baptist Church 104 E. Zarley Blvd. ~ Joliet, IL 60433 Pastor Herbert Brooks, Jr., Host Pastor Pastor McKinley Daley, Officiating St. Luke M. B. Church | 12983 Old Hwy 61 South | Dundee, Mississippi 38626 Minister Damien Jackson Ellington, Program Guide
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Final Arrangements Entrusted To ~Committal Rites & Interment~ Elmhurst Cemetery 1212 East Washington Street Joliet, Illinois 60433 B ~ Acknowledgements
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~ Active Pallbearers ~ Martadious Brown Nathaniel Roper, Jr. Teddy LawrenceMichaelWoodsHyatteWilliamLeeSealsDaVineBrown Pallbearers ~ Seneca Roper, Jr. Donald Carter Bobby Carter Gary JermaineWhitesideJonesBryantBell M. 901.351.0753Harrison Home, Ltd. 112 Street, Joliet, IL 60433 (815) 723-1283 ~ family of McKinley Brown wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many comforting social posts, prayers, flowers and other expressions kindness concern shown at this time in thought and deeds. May God add a blessing to each of you. The Family of McKinley Brown family wishes to that family and friends welcome the church for repast, masks required social distance as necessary.” Memorial Keepsakes courtesy of Dianne, Ginger & Carlotta
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Love always, M.C.
To My Family & Friends
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My Last Request
Minor-Morris Funeral
Please don’t say I gave up; just say that I gave in. Don’t say I lost the battle, for it was God’s war to lose or win. Please don’t say how good I was, but say I did my best. Just say I tried to do what’s right, to give the most I could, not less. Please don’t give me wings or halos; that’s for God to do; I want no more than I deserve, no extra, just my due. Please don’t give me flowers or talk in real hushed tones. Don’t be concerned about me now; I’m well with God; I’ve made it home. Don’t talk about my illness, it’s over, and it’s done. Just see to all my family’s needs, especially my wife and the little ones. When you draw a picture of me, don’t draw me as a saint. I’ve done some good, I’ve done some wrong, so use all the colors you can paint. Not just bright and light tones, use some gray and dark; in fact, don’t put me down on canvas; paint me in your heart. Remember all the good times... remember all the bad; for life is full of things, some happy and some sad. But, if you must do something, then I have one request. Forgive me for any wrong I’ve done, and with the love that’s left, thank God for my soul’s resting, thank God for I’ve been blessed. Thank God for all who loved me; praise God who loves me best!
