Vincent H. Brown, Sr.

 In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Stroke Comeback Center, 50 W. Edmonston Drive, Suite 301, Rockville, MD  20852, phone 301-605-7620, email [email protected]

Vincent H. Brown, Sr.

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord”

Vincent succumbed to his illness and entered into eternal rest on Sunday evening, February 23, 2020, at the Anne Arundel Medical Center, Annapolis, MD.

Vincent was born in Washington, DC on November 14,1937 to the late Vincent and Vivian Brown.  As a native Washingtonian, Vincent graduated from Armstrong High School.   He married at an early age and had four children. 

After a short stint in the Air Force, he began his career in the Federal Government.  He spent most of his career at the Food and Drug Administration from which he received countless awards, including FDA’s Equal Opportunity Achievement Award.  He was the first African American to be promoted to key positions in the agency.  While employed, he completed ad hoc courses at Cornell University and the University of Maryland.  In 1996, he retired with 41 years of federal service.  He had an illustrious career, but he also had a burning desire to learn more about the Holy Scripture.  Hence, he graduated, with honors, from the Jericho Christian Training College with a diploma in Christian Discipleship.  Some of his writings are: “Heaven is a Prepared Place for a Prepared People”, “The Hand of God”, “If God Were to Go on Strike”, “Miracles in my Life”, and “God’s Love Found a Way.”  At the Church of St. Martin de Porres in Capitol Heights, he was the Lay Minister for Discipleship.  He designed a study guide entitled – “From Membership to Discipleship.”  He was also the Chairperson of the Men’s Committee.

Vincent volunteered for the American Red Cross.  He responded to all types of natural disasters in the DMV, including the victims of Hurricane Katrina.  On balance, he enjoyed working on an assignment to support Ty Pennington’s Extreme Makeover project in District Heights, MD. 

In 1986, Vince married Maxine, the love of his life.  They became one!  Vincent often said, we think of love as a feeling.  But he believed that love is action – not emotion.  The most profound action comes from God.  God is love!   Vince’s cup overflowed with love which he poured into his wife’s heart.  Today, her heart is broken.  God will refill Maxine’s cup with His spiritual blessings. 

Vincent had a special bond with his cousin Edward Jones and special friendships of over 50 years with Al Scott and Robert Weldon.

            Dr. Hilton Ray (nephew) and Lanette Mays, RN (niece) spent an inordinate amount of time coordinating and collaborating on Vince’s care with the medical staff at Holy Cross Hospital and Anne Arundel Medical Center.  Their guidance was invaluable to his care for which the family is eternally grateful. 

            Vincent’s stroke mentor, Greg Tucker and his wife Gina, walked beside him during his trials.  Greg held his hand and supported him throughout his recovery and illness.  Their faith and inspirational encouragement always lifted his spirits.

 He leaves to cherish his memory a devoted wife of 33 years, four children, Aletha, Deborah, Vincent and Karen; a devoted god daughter, Tiara Etheridge, and god son, Alphonso Hearns, one sister, Joan Hearns (Alphonso), two brothers Howard and John; five grandchildren, LaTrecia Brown, William Young, Antoine and Carlos Brown and Vonda Davis; six great-grandchildren, Leana Brown, Demetrius Young, Billie Young, Dakota Brown, Cheyann Brown, and Gabrielle Roman; one great-great-grandchild, Ava Brown; nieces, nephews, and cousins.  His sister Ann and brother Michael preceded him in death. 

He leaves four brothers-in-law, Herman, Raymond, Gene and Ronald – they admired him.  His sisters-in-law, Louise, Alice, Blanche, Shirley and Ruth loved him.  Though lovingly called Uncle Vince, he was a father figure to Nadine, Phillip, Rick, and Barry.  The Uncle Vince that Lanette, LaShay, Alvin, Martha, Maxine, Benita, Sandra, Bobby, Kim, Kay, and Regina loved, was second to none.  To them, Uncle Vince was the epitome of strength and character; they held him in very high regard.  Other family and friends will miss him dearly. 

The curtain has fallen!  We mourn our beloved Vince and we cherish the sweet memories.  We find comfort in knowing that our grief is shared and understood.  For we know that the departed never wholly leave us.  We never wholly leave each other.  And we remember…  And we remember ...  And we remember...   If you would like to see the real impact Vince had on your lives, look around.  It’s on your faces and will always be in your hearts.   Lights out!