Elder Robert T. Brown

Robert T. Brown was born on May 12, 1933, to O’Dell and Lillie Mae Brown, both of whom preceded him in death. Robert was one of seven children, Earnestine (Frank) Je erson,  omas (Queenie) Brown, James (Rosie Mae) Brown, Harvey Brown, and Rosie Mae ( eodore) Johnson, all of whom have preceded him in death. Robert originally met Jessie Wheeler at a young age in Blytheville, AR. A er separately moving to Chicago, IL, they were later reunited, fell in love, and were married February 27, 1965, being blessed to celebrate 57 years of marriage in 2022. As a result of this union,  ve daughters, eleven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, were birthed to live out their legacy. Robert T. Brown worked for the Armour Meat Company and Central Soya for many years. However, due to the entrepreneurial spirit that he shared with his brothers, he, along with his wife Jessie, opened B&J Tire Shop, where they served the community with his hard work and witty humor for over 25 years. Robert served as a part of the Mason society for many years before accepting his call into the Ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Robert received Christ at an early age and was ordained as a minister in the Church of God in Christ under the leadership of his uncle, the late Archbishop C.E.  omas in Toledo, Ohio. Reverend Brown returned to Chicago and joined Sunlight M.B.C., under the leadership of Pastor Emeritus Luther J. McSwain, where he served as an associate minister and was elevated and anointed to Elder. Elder Brown later joined New Light Holiness M.B.C., under the leadership of Pastor Major Howard, Jr., where he also served as associate minister. Elder Brown eventually retired to Blytheville, AK, where he joined Progressive M.B.C. under the leadership of the late Pastor LB Burton and now Pastor Anthony Burton. Elder Brown served Progressive as an associate minister until his relocation to Chicago, IL in 2020. Elder Brown was very outspoken and had a strong personality. He was stern with high expectations, but also comedic, dependable, loving, and above all, God-fearing. Elder Brown had several memorable sayings including: “ e more I call Him (Jesus), the better I feel.” “If you get in your place and do what you’re supposed to do I can get in my place and do what I am supposed to do!” “ It’s just like  re shut up in my bones.” “I love you, and there’s nothing you can do about it!” Elder Brown was known for preaching from the Gospel of John, especially from the fourteenth chapter: “A prepared place for prepared people”. And of course the exuberant way he would cry out as everybody can say with me, “HAAAAAALLELUJAH!” Elder Brown leaves to cherish his life: his wife, Jessie Brown; sister, Carrie (Robert) Betts; sister-in-law, Shirley;  ve daughters, Vanessa (Woody) Garrett, Linda (the late Curtis Rogers) Wheeler-Rogers, Barbara Wheeler, Tawanda Brown, and Marcia (Frank) Jackson; 11 grandchildren, Falin Johnson, Joshua Robert J. (Jessica) Wheeler, Wendell McMullen, Jr., D’Andre McMullen, Jaz’mun Brooks, Jessica Brooks, Khora Jackson, Darien Jackson, Maya Jackson, Malcolm Jackson, and Brandon Jackson; eight great-grandchildren, Aiden, Jody, Karter, A’zyan, Autumn, Lela, Jayla, and Jai; a special daughter, Alice Taylor; goddaughter, Alisa Shanta Gray; godson, Michael McSwain; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

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