Deacon Joe Louis Brown was born Jimmy Lee Brown November 29, 1947 in Yazoo County, Mississippi to
the late James Lee and Robbie Lee Brown; his name was later changed at the age of four.
He confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized by Reverend E.J. Williams at Chapel Hill
Baptist Church in Yazoo City, Mississippi.
Joe graduated from Yazoo City Training School in 1966. In 1967 he enlisted in the United States Army
and was honorably discharged in 1970.
Joe became a member of the Starlight M.B. Church in 1985. During his tenure he became a member of
the Starlight inspirational Choir until he was crowned a deacon in 2004. Joe Louis was appointed
treasurer a position in which he served until his death.
Joe Brown was employed by the Chicago Transit Authority for thirty-three 1⁄2 years. He was married to his
high school sweetheart Merlyn D. Bryant for fifty years. To this union two children were born Portia and
Erica.
Throughout his lifetime Joe was a soft-spoken, caring and giving person. Affectionately referred to as
"Big Jim" or Uncle Jimmy: he would help anyone that he saw in need. His favorite scripture was the 23rd
Psalm.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, sister Willa Mae Brent, brothers: James Arthur Davis, Richard
James Brown, Cornelius Jones, and James Lee Brown jr. He leaves to cherish his memories: a devoted
wife Merlyn Brown; two daughters Portia (Michael) Brown-Coleman and Erica (William) Brown-Pierce;
son Jerome James; two grandchildren William and Makayla; one uncle Alfred James (Joyce) Newkirk;
brothers Hercules Brown ( Sylvania) of Canton, MS, Thomas Brown (Pensy) of Brundidge AL and
Dewayne Jones (Tamera) ; sisters Dorothy Austin of Calumet City, IL, and Sharon Jones of Yazoo City;
sisters-in-law Celess Ivy of Euclid, Ohio, Jo Ann Holmes of Chicago Illinois, Sylvonia Jones of Yazoo City,
and Francis Ratcliff of Chicago, IL; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.