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”.