A Celebration of Life and Legacy: Grady Lewis Brewer '80

Celebrating the Life of Dr. Tobe Johnson Jr.’54 Friday, May 21, 2021 at 11:00 AM

a celebration of life and legacy

Grady Lewis Brewer ’80 | 1958 – 2021 |

Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 12 p.m.

Franklin L. Forbes Arena 830 Westview Drive, Southwest | Atlanta, Georgia

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a celebration of life and legacy

Grady Lewis Brewer ’80 | 1958 – 2021 |

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Order of Service OFFICIATING The Rev. Dr. Sherryl Powell, Pastor, Greater Turner Chapel AME Church MUSICAL PRELUDE

We Offer Praise

by Rodnie Bryant & CCMC

PROCESSIONAL

Emmanuel

by Norman Hutchins

MUSICAL TRIBUTE

Total Praise

by Richard Smallwood

Andrew Maurice Hawk Soloist The Rev. Dr. Susan Buckson Pastor, Allen Temple AME Church

INVOCATION

SCRIPTURE READING

The Old Testament Psalm 46

The Rev. Posie Redmond Pastor, New Calvary Missionary Baptist Church

The Epistle 2 Corinthians 5:1-6

The Rev. Dr. Michael Hawk Pastor, New Beginning Ministries of Jacksonville

The Gospel John 3:14-16

The Rev. Dr. Lawrence Edward Carter Sr. Dean of Chapel, Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel

WORDS OF COMFORT FROM THE COLLEGE MUSICAL TRIBUTE

Dr. David A. Thomas President, Morehouse College Andrew Maurice Hawk Soloist

God Has Smiled on Me

by The Rev. James Cleveland TRIBUTES (3 minutes each) Jimmy Knowles, Family Friend L.B. Hodges ’80, Classmate Donald Dollar ’62, Former Frederick Douglass High School Coach Roderick D. Stubbs ’92, Former Morehouse College Player/Coach Richard C. Winfrey ’94, Former Morehouse College Player Harold Ellis ’92, Former Morehouse College Player and Team Legend OBITUARY (Read the Psalm of Life silently)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Zwella Boyd Chaplain Leonard Patterson Atlanta Fire Rescue Department

PRAYER OF COMFORT MUSICAL TRIBUTE

I Need You Now

by Smokie Norful

The Rev. Larry D. Taylor Pastor, Higher Hope Christian Ministries

EULOGY

COLLEGE HYMN

Dear Old Morehouse

by J.O.B. Moseley ’29

Audience Chaplain Roosevelt Johns Director of Chaplains, Atlanta Fire Rescue Department

RINGING OF THE BELL RECESSIONAL

Andrew Maurice Hawk Soloist

Goin’ Up Yonder

by Walter Hawkins

a celebration of life and legacy

Grady Lewis Brewer ’80 | 1958 – 2021 |

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Psalm of Life …a time to be born…

Ecclesiastes 3:2

…and I will show you my faith by my deeds James 2:18

Train up a child in the way he should go…

Proverbs 22:6

…the sparrow has found a home.

Psalm 84:3

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 70:17

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought a good fight. I have finished the race.

I have kept the faith.

Now there is in store for me a crown of righteousness…

Respectful son, protective brother, devoted husband, loving father, caring uncle, courageous firefighter, and competitive coach Grady Lewis Brewer was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 5, 1958, to Harold Leon and Ernestine Brewer. He was preceded in death by his brother, Harold Leon Jr., and was reared with three sisters.

At an early age, Grady gave his life to Christ and united with Pilgrim Baptist Church in Atlanta, where he was an active participant in Sunday school and sang in the Junior Choir. He felt a calling to join Higher Hope Christian Ministries in 2000.

Grady was educated in the Atlanta Public Schools, attending E.R. Carter Elementary, Harwell Elementary, and Frederick Douglass High School, graduating in 1976. He played under the guidance of Coach Donald Dollar in the basketball program at Frederick Douglass High School.

At Morehouse College, Grady was a standout basketball player under legendary coach Arthur McAfee. He lettered in each of his four years and started in his final two years. Grady graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College in 1980.

Grady joined Loleta Middleton in holy matrimony on June 18, 1994.

They have three sons: Ryan, Xavier, and Jordan.

After graduating from Morehouse, Grady served as a firefighter with the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department and retired after 20 years of service. He served as an assistant coach at Atlanta’s Booker T. Washington High School and helped lead the Bulldogs to the 1987 Georgia 4-AAAA State Championship. Grady served for 13 years as an assistant coach at Morehouse College. For the past 21 years, he served as head basketball coach of the Maroon Tigers, compiling a career record of 315-241 and guiding Morehouse to seven 20-win seasons, seven SIAC regular-season championships, a SIAC tournament, and three NCAA tournaments. In Morehouse’s history, his career wins total sits only behind former head coach Arthur McAfee.

On Sunday, May 30, 2021, Grady Lewis Brewer heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto me all ye who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

2 Timothy 4:6-8

And his legacy continues…

Grady leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Loletta; his sons: Ryan, Xavier, and Jordan; sisters: Carolyn Dryer, Anita Denson (Danny), Icey Brewer; sisters-in-law: Theresa Glen (Clarence), Tammy Pouncy, Angie Williams, Tanya King; brothers-in-law: Mark Middleton, Edgar Pouncy, Harold Williams; father-in-law: Benjamin Middleton; aunt: Bettye Brewer; uncle: Posie Redmond (Evelyn); nieces: Asia Warbington, India Perryman; nephews: Eric Dryer, Cedric Dryer, Dr. CB Glen, Edward Glen, Edgar Pouncy; grandnephews: Brent Warbington, Chase Warbington; grandnieces: Zion Pouncy, Erain Pouncy, and a host of other relatives and friends.

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a celebration of life and legacy

Grady Lewis Brewer ’80 | 1958 – 2021 |

Not, How Did He Die, But How Did He Live?

Not, how did he die, but how did he live?

Not, what did he gain, but what did he give?

These are the units to measure the worth Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.

Not what was his church, nor what was his creed?

But had he befriended those really in need?

Was he ever ready, with word of good cheer, To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?

Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say, But how many were sorry when he passed away?

Anonymous Dad, you were the epitome of selflessness.

Ryan, Xavier, and Jordan

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My Uncle

By Nikkii Fahy

I came into this life.

You held me in your arms.

You kept me safe So no one could harm.

You taught me values.

Lessons in life I would learn.

You taught me to respect; I gave you love in return.

You have always been in my life Through thick and thin, And now my lonely journey Without you will begin.

For you were my hero, Forever and a day.

You will always remain that hero ‘Till I meet you again someday.

I will embrace you in my arms And hold on tight.

I will stand by your side, And you will never leave my sight.

I miss you so much.

The pain does not ease.

I pray you are happy And finally at peace.

We love you, Uncle.

Asia and India

Death Was Not a Part of the Equation A Tribute to My Uncle

By Edgar Pouncy II

Today my heart is heavy and I just feel, I can’t really explain what I feel...I can’t formulate my feelings into words, so for now I just feel. I have had so many losses in my life but this one caught me off guard...this…here...today, I just feel. Death has a way of making you look at things through unadulterated eyes. The childlike wonder that makes you invincible. But today it claimed you.

We talked about life, plans, and dreams, you always had me thinking; death was not a part of the equation. It is still an afterthought forever in the recesses of my mind. We talked about life, plans, and dreams...how to take life by storm, making my mark on the world Unc. The world is supposed to be a place where dreams come true and are not taken away... you said if you work hard and apply yourself, your dreams can come true. I remember conversations we had about life... death was not a part of the equation.

The other day I went to my mom’s house; we talked about you.

I remember when we first met at my grandma’s house...your smile and the handshake. Wow! The way you loved your family…I try to model that. You loved life so much and lived it without regret. I see your face and hear your laughter...I miss you so much. Now I see life can begin and end so fast, but it shouldn’t have happened. You were young in my eyes and still dreaming not only for you but also your family. We talked about life, plans, and dreams...how to take life by storm, to make my mark on the world...death was not a part of the equation.

Now I have to say goodbye, I must go on...but without your encouraging words of support it will be somewhat torn.

Whatever happens in my life, know that you played a big part in it.... Remember you said, “Take care of them girls and don’t let anything come between that bond. I am in it to win it.” Death was not a part of the equation, death was not a part of the equation, death was not a part of the equation.

Goodbye, Unc...I love you.

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a celebration of life and legacy

Grady Lewis Brewer ’80 | 1958 – 2021 |

Pallbearers

Acknowledgments

David Dada ’92

The family would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere appreciation and deep gratitude to our many friends. You comforted us with your visits and sustained us with your sustenance. You consoled us with your cards and calls and lifted our spirits with your prayers. We sincerely thank you for all you have done. May God’s countenance fall upon you, and God’s loving care continue to bless and keep you.

Michael C. Jones ’95 Justin Miller ’99 Edward C. Mouton ’88 Stewart Watkins ’92 James Walker ’90

We are grateful to President Thomas and the Morehouse Family who have extended themselves so graciously during this time of transition in our lives.

Tyrius Walker ’21

Honorary Pallbearers Current and Former Morehouse College Basketball Players

Entombment

Lincoln Cemetery 2275 Joseph E. Boone Boulevard, N.W. Atlanta, GA 30314

Flower Bearers Avis Abram Elizabeth Bivins Debbie Faulkner Yvette Jackson Krystle McGuire Frances Murray Theresa Oliver DeAnna Richardson Brenda Turner

Professional services entrusted to: Murray Brothers Funeral Home. Inc., Cascade Chapel 1199 Utoy Springs Road, S.W., Atlanta, GA 30331 (404) 349-3000