REVEREND LEON BROWN

Rev. Leon Herbert Brown (Dad & Pop), an associate minister at St. John AME Church, was called home to glory on Friday, July 15, 2016 at the age of 84. He passed away surrounded by his loving family, friends and Pastor. He was born on September 17, 1931 to James and Maezonie (Fuller) Brown in Cleveland, Ohio. He was raised by his grandmother, Mae Ella Fuller and his aunt, Ruth West. He graduated from Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio and earned a theology degree from Moody Bible Institute. He served honorably in the Korean War as a Corporal in the US Army. Following his military service, he enjoyed many years as a renowned singer. As a very successful jazz entertainer, he headlined his own concerts through the United States and abroad, and was featured on the Doug Adair Show in Cleveland, OH. After being called to the ministry, Rev. Brown devoted his gifted voice to singing, teaching and preaching the Gospel. He was a mentor and coach to countless pastors, ministers, congregation members, family, friends and acquaintances. He would frequently impact the lives of people he encountered. He would always share with fellow believers’, “Preach Your Life…because you may be the only Jesus that others may see.” His length of service range from serving as a manager of a large corporation, an account executive for a large North Ohio union, a sales director for several major hotels, a consultant to the Lighthouse Project, and was sought after by various businesses for his unique sales training talents. He was preceded in death by his parents - James and Maezonie (Fuller) Brown, grandmother - Mae Ella Fuller, Aunt Ruth West, Brother, Gilbert James Brown, and son, Leon Herbert Brown, Jr. Celebrating his life and legacy is his loving wife - Frances T. Brown, children - Linda Brown, Vanya Brown, Karen Brown, Juan David Dejesus, Maria Cannon (Ronaldo Cannon), Daniel Taylor and YoLanda Bailey (Gene Bailey), and cousin - Linda Scott. In addition, he has a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, as well as other family members, friends and loved ones. Rev. Brown was a man of vision, wisdom and influence, and served as a light in the lives of many. In his own words “…let my work speak for me.”