Robert "Robin" Brown, Jr.

Life’s RefLections

RobertBrown, Jr. began his adventures in life on May 19, 1937, to the happy expectations of his parents, Robert, Sr. and Susie Moody Brown, and his four siblings, George, Lucy Ann, Lois, and Mahala. This moment was eventful as his arrival was several weeks too early, and, as the stories tell, he had to be held constantly by his doting mother and aunts in order to be kept warm. Fortunately, he thrived and grew, to the point that at age 5, he announced to those same aunts that, given the size of his foot, he was now a man full grown.

After protestations to the contrary, Robert Jr. enjoyed a normal childhood. His parents and grandparents instilled in him a strong work ethic which was evident in everything he put his mind and hands to. In 1955, Robert (Robin) graduated from Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He continued his young adult life by enlisting in the Navy in 1956 and serving honorably until March 1962. Later, Robin continued his education at Eastern Michigan University and the University of Louisville where he developed his acumen for Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, and Acting.

Family Life: As Robin began his career, he also began expanding a family of his own. He married Ethel Wallace in 1956 and to that union, three sons were born, Kevin, Kenneth, and Karl. Alas, seasons change, and as life evolved, Robin later married Betty Miller of Toledo, OH, in 1974 and enjoyed an illustrious life of acting, producing, and traveling with her. Following Betty’s courageous fight with cancer, Robin yet again found love with Marilyn Porter Vaughn, whom he married in 1999 in Chicago, Illinois. Robin and Marilyn later relocated to Memphis, TN, in 2004. Robin cherished family and family life and remained an advisor and confidante to his extensive family network.

Professional Life: Building on his success in the genre of Communications, Robin enjoyed success at several radio and television stations. He worked as new director at the historic WDIA Radio Station in Memphis, TN from 1978-83, and as assignment editor at WHBQ13. This extensive public exposure and his velvety voice launched an accomplished acting career where he gained many credits to his name. His roles ranged from the theater where he starred as Lazarus in “The Haunting” to roles in both commercials and industrials for the likes of Johnson Products, Holiday Inn, Blue Cross-Blue Shield, Auto Zone, and Federal Express. His acting, voice-over work, and production skills ultimately led to his directing, producing, and narrating a documentary on the Tulsa Massacre which was broadcast on several PBS stations during Black History Month programming.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Robin continued his path in public relations by accepting a position with his aunt, the famed nutritionist Dr. Alvenia Fulton. Under Robin’s leadership and direction, the business expanded exponentially. Robin produced and directed Dr. Fulton’s radio show, The Joy of Living, and he secured speaking engagements for her to spread the joy of good health to Chicago and beyond.

Robin’s proximity to Chicago’s elite led him to a new career in public service. He served as the Chief of Staff to the powerful and dynamic Alderman Dorothy Tillman of Chicago’s 3rd Ward. Together, they worked tirelessly for the citizens of Chicago. Robin was instrumental in developing the Harold Washington Cultural Center and the 55th & Garfield Shopping Plaza, ending a long-held food and retail drought in the area.

For his good works, both private and professional, Robin received many accolades. Robin received the MLK Journalism Award from the National Association of Black Journalists, Recognition for Outstanding Community Service from the Memphis Kiwanis Club, and acknowledgment of Dedication to Service from the Memphis Health Center, to name but a few.

Given a life well lived, it stands to reason that Robin will be sorely missed by his loving and extensive family and dearest companions. He leaves to mourn his passing his beloved grandchildren Karl, Jr. (Kendalyn), Marquita, and Kynthea (James) and their families, daughter-in-law Kathy (Felix), plus nieces and nephews from the Brown, Freeman, Lewis, Forts, Massey, Jones and Gardner families, and cousins from the Moody, Gray, and Collier families. Robin was cherished by his in-laws and caregivers Harold and Barbara Beaver and dearest companion Janice Echols, who will feel his loss deeply. Even though those that remain must endure, we are comforted by the knowledge that he joins his beloved parents, Robert Sr. and Susie; his beloved angels: Ethel, Betty, and Marilyn; siblings: Mahala, George, Lois, and Lucy Ann; sons: Eric, Kevin, Karl, and Kenneth, and granddaughter, Lyndell “on the other side”.

herished CMemories

Live a Life that Matters

Ready or not someday it all come to and end

There will be no more sunrises, no minutes or hours or days

All the things collected, whether treasured or forgotten will pass on to someone else.

It will not matter what you owned or what were owed

Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally disappear

Your hopes, ambitions, plans and to-do lists will expire

The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away

It won’t matter where you come from

It won’t matter wethere you were beautiful or brillant

So what will matter?

What will matter what you bought, but what you built

Not what you got, but what you gave

What will matter is not your success, but your significance

What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught

What will matter is ever act of intergrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered others to emulate your example

What will matter is not how many people you knew but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone

What will matter is not youe memories but memories that will live on in those who loved you

What will natter is how long you will be remembered and for what

Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident

It happens by choice

Robin, You will forever be in my heart. Thanks so much for the memories and love. You were God’s blessing to me. Love always,

Janice Echols

Prelude

Processional..............................................................................................Clergy & Family

Prayer..............................................................................................George Edward Brown

Scripture Readings: The Old Testament........................................................................Micheal K. Lewis

The New Testament...............................................................................Avery Lewis

Musical Selection

Words of Comfort.........................................................................................Harold Beaver

“Remembering Robin”

(Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)

WDIA Radio Station - Stan Bell

City of Chicago - Alderman Dorothy Tillman

Family - Esther Sorrell, Janessa Freeman & Micheal K. Lewis

Acknowledgements.....................................................................................Barbara Beaver

Musical Selection

Eulogy....................................................................................................Bro. John DeBerry Coleman Ave. Church of Christ

Recessional

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul;

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil;

for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Psalms 23

The family of Robert “Robin” Brown would like to thank the radio, television, and theater communities for recognizing Robin’s many gifts and talents and for sharing them with the world. We also want to thank the many organizations that appreciated his work in civil rights and social justice with honors, accolades, and recognitions. The family has been blessed by the many acts of love and kindness shown to us, both individually and collectively.

Finally, there are not enough “thank-you’s” to say for the time, attention, and protection, extended to Robin by his (in-law) caregivers, Harold and Barbara Beaver and by his loving companion, Janice Echols. The family is extremely grateful and we thank God for you!

~The Family

Avery Lewis Julian Lewis

Karl Brown

Marcus McKibben