Denise Juanita Baker Brown

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.

He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. John 11:25

Denise Juanita Baker Brown, the first of three children of James Simmons Baker and Genolia Jones, was born on July 16, 1952 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Early on, Denise developed a competitive spirit and would continuously challenge herself in her love of learning. A high school graduate of The Philadelphia High School for Girls, also known as Girls' High, a public university-preparatory magnet high and one of the first public schools for women, Denise graduated (magna cum laude) with her Bachelor of Arts from Temple University in Philadelphia; completed her Juris Doctor from Rutgers University School of Law and her Master of Legal Letters in Trial Advocacy from Temple University School of Law.

With a teaching certification from Harvard School of Law’s National Institute of Trial Advocacy program, Denise became one of its instructors for five years. She also lectured on courtroom drama and jury selection. Denise was an Adjunct Law School Faculty teaching Trial Advocacy at Temple University School of Law. Admitted to practice law in the State of Maryland, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia, Denise was a fierce litigator and arbitrator serving as Assistant Attorney General in Civil Litigation and Hearing Officer for the District of Columbia; Supervisory Attorney Advisor, District of Columbia Public Schools; Special Counsel for Urban Affairs Subcommittee, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives; Assistant General Counsel, School District of Philadelphia; Senior Counsel, Philadelphia Housing Authority to mention a few.

On May 6, 1995, Denise married the love of her life, Thimothy Brown and together established their home in Philadelphia. On May 16, 1997 they journeyed to grow their family with the embrace of their son, Chad Brown. Five years later, in 2002, they built their dream home in Bowie, Maryland, their residence today.

Denise enjoyed being a PTA Mom and advocating for children’s rights before the school administration, Board of Education or the General Assembly. In her advocacy, though the full benefit was for Chad, the apple of her eye, other children and parents also benefited. She was a gifted quilter who purposely chose fabric to tell a story.  She enjoyed the delicate art of scrapbooking especially as it pertained to the international travel and varied cruises with Chad. She was a gourmet cook who loved to make savory meals from blending spices, herbs and ingredients for people to enjoy.  Yet keeping her focus on law, Denise advocated for justice for many people.

Denise accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior and enjoyed worship with her church members at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. One of her favorite hymns was Amazing Grace.

Throughout her illness, Denise would often say, “Lord, give me strength.” And, He did.  On May 23, 2019, Denise witnessed Chad’s graduation from the University of Maryland Baltimore County and was thrilled with his acceptance into Georgetown University for graduate school.

After a long valiant battle with cancer, Denise passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at Mandrin Hospice House of the Chesapeake in Maryland.

Denise is preceded in death by her father, James Simmons Baker. She leaves behind her adoring husband, Thimothy Brown, and an undeniable legacy in their son, Chad Brown; her mother Genolia Baker, step-mother Alice Baker, sisters Fran Baker Brown (Aaron) and Monica Jones; step-sister Simone Brand; brothers-in-law Joseph G. Smith Brown (Iraima), Eric Smith Brown (Nancy), Antonio Smith Brown (Lismary); Osnaldo Smith Brown; sisters-in-law Andrea Brown, Matilda Brown; niece Anastasia Briscoe and nephews Antonio Lanclos, Christian Brown, Michael Brown; cousins John Davis, LaCoya Monlyn; dear friends Barb and Bob Garber; Marva and Trevor Henry; Melissa Henry; Tonya and Harold Miles and a wonderful church family and a host of family and friends.

The battle is over, the victory won.

The Family will celebrate Denise’s life on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. in a Memorial Service at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church 14111 Oak Grove Road Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774.