Perry James Brown

PERRY “JAMES” BROWN was born on September 12, 1948, in Selma, Alabama, to Walter and Mary Rean Sewell Brown. He was the oldest of three children. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Brown; stepfather, James Stovell; and stepdaughter, Evtrece Matlock. Perry accepted Christ at an early age. Later in life, Perry joined the Jesus Christ Holy MB Church and rededicated his life to Christ under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Archie Matlock, Sr. He attended Knox Academy Elementary School and RB Hudson High School in Selma, Alabama. Shortly a er high school, his family relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where he continued his education at Byrant High School. Perry began his career as a forklift operator at the Halo Lightning Company in Villa Park, Illinois. A few years later, he joined the Citizen for A Better West Side organization to help improve the community.  rough his connections from this organization, he was able to secure employment at the City of Chicago, where he worked in various departments, including the City of Chicago Streets and Sanitation, for over 29 years. Perry enjoyed life to the fullest. He had a unique, loud voice. Perry was humble, but he unapologetically enjoyed the  ner things in life. He always had something funny to say. His swag and style were infamous with his family and friends. Rest assured, Perry always pulled up in the latest and stylish top-of-the-line Cadillacs you’ve ever seen.  e Southside, Eastside, Northside, and the Westside knew when Perry Brown was on the block. Perry was the man.  e myth.  e legend. Men wanted to be him, and women wanted to be with him. Perry loved to travel, especially to his family reunion in various states. He enjoyed sports, but mainly football, wrestling, and boxing. Every New Year’s Eve, Perry Brown made his way to Jesus Christ Holy MB Church on the Westside to attend “Watch Meet” night service. As always, he showed up cleaner than the Board of Health. He made sure he crossed over the New Year in church before he began stepping at his favorite lounge spots. Perry departed this life on Friday, October 1, 2021 in his home. His life will forever be cherished by: his mother, Mary Rean Sewell Brown; four children, Casean, Taquila “Peaches,” and Sasha, all of Chicago, Illinois, and Litanya (Jaton) Brown of Bolingbrook, Illinois; two sisters, Tawana Brown of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Kelly (Levert) Lyons; one brother, Walter (Jereatha) Brown of Chicago, Illinois; long and dear friend/companion, Sylvia Morrow; two aunts, Francis Canty and Ann Dallas Woodard, both of Detroit, Michigan; one uncle, Emerson Aco of Detroit, Michigan; a very good friend, Patricia Matlock and  e Matlock family; four grandchildren, Alithany McClain, Dejah Reed, Valentino Riveria, and  eodore Brown; Perry was very proud of his cousins, but especially his  rst cousin, the Congresswoman of Alabama, Terri Sewell; his childhood friend, Frank Hokin; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Perry James Brown, please visit our floral store.