My Story

I was born Michael Fitzgerald Brown. My friends and family affectionately called me "Mike" or "Ike". I was born on March 31, 1962, in Marianna, AR. My loving parents, James L. Brown, Sr. and Maerene Jones Brown preceded me in death.

I left this earthly vessel on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. in the evening in St. Louis, MO after a lengthy illness. I did not want to go but was ready to see Jesus. For you see, I had asked for forgiveness, and I know my Father in heaven was just to forgive me.

My parents, my maternal and paternal grandparents, my eldest brother, and my baby son, Steven Hughes preceded me in death. Also, I will be happy to see my childhood buddies who departed this life prior to me. God gave me many chances and even in my often-backslidden state. I recognized the love, grace and mercy of God.

I confessed a hope in Christ at seven years old and was baptized at the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Marianna, AR under the leadership of Reverend A. Slayton. I sang in the choir. My favorite time to attend church was Easter Sunday. I loved to dress in a suit and sing a duet with my sister Teresa, so that I would not have to learn a lengthy speech. Rest assured! I knew the Lord!

I attended elementary, junior high and high school in Marianna, AR and I was in the class of 1980 at Lee Senior High School. I enjoyed woodworking and auto mechanics during my formative years.

I lived in Little Rock, AR; Dallas, TX; Chicago, IL and finally, St. Louis, MO. I held many jobs in the fast-food industry and construction, until I became disabled and could no longer work. I enjoyed cooking and repairing cars. I loved spending time with my family and my two generations of nieces and nephews were dearest to my heart, and I knew thy loved me.

I will be greatly missed by my ten siblings, six sisters; Nellie Parker of Chicago, IL; Marian Westbrook of Little Rock, AR; Juanita (Arstell) Jones of St. Louis, MO; Janice Brown and Teresa Brown of Little Rock, AR and Decima Reshay Brown of Belleville, IL; four brothers; Alfred (Dorothy) Brown of Chicago, IL; Wilbur Brown of Jacksonville, AR; Joe Nathan (Linda Harden) Brown of Marianna, AR and Ryan Brown of Marion, AR; one uncle, Clayborn (Lula) Brown of Toledo, OH; three aunts, Margaret Brown of Columbus, OH, Lonzierene Lewis and Jossie Jones of Hempstead, NY. I was also loved by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.