Isaiah Brown, Jr.

His Life Lieutenant Colonel, Isaiah Brown Jr., United States Army, retired, was born to the late Isaiah and Beatrice Brown, in Richmond, on March 29, 1938. He spent his early childhood in Richmond, Virginia and later moved with his family to Roanoke, Virginia, where they lived with his maternal grandmother. It was here that Isaiah would acquire his passion for cooking as he sat at his grandmother’s side while she served as the head cook at the Hotel Roanoke. He excelled both academically and athletically, particularly in the sport of football, leading to scholarships to attend Hampton Institute for college. While at college, he continued to develop as an athlete, excelling in both football and swimming and as a military leader through ROTC. While in college he also developed a love for Western T.V. and movies. Few people know that Isaiah, or “Ike” as he was called by his friends, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts and with a trade as a typesetting printer. After graduating from college, Ike entered the military and would have his first tour of duty in Korea. An assignment at Fort Knox, in Louisville, Kentucky would be his first opportunity to command soldiers and was also the place where he met his wife, Patsy. While in the military he would develop and command troops, while on assignments in Baumholder, Germany, The Republic of South Vietnam, Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Fort Lee, Virginia. He also served as an Assistant Professor of ROTC, at Virginia State College. While teaching at Virginia State, he found time to earn a Master’s Degree in Industrial Education and joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. through its local grad chapter. After serving thirteen years of active duty, Isaiah continued as an Army Reserve commander, developing and implementing exercises to train Reserve, National Guard and Active Duty forces in many states. He was a decorated Vietnam veteran and retired from the U.S. Army Reserves after more than 20 years of service to his country and at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After leaving active duty, Ike had an opportunity to work as a typesetter for the Washington Post newspaper but chose a position as an Administrator for the City of Richmond. His 20 year career with the City of Richmond, included being an administrator in the Model Neighborhood program, Parks and Recreation, the Richmond Nursing Home and the Richmond City Police Department. Ike retired after suffering a debilitating stroke in 1992. Though he never completely recovered physically, he maintained a positive outlook, and his mind and spirit continued to thrive. Ike was devoted to his family and his work both with the city and the army. He loved to cook, garden, watch westerns, listen to music, read and do Sudoku puzzles. Ike enjoyed life to the fullest and will especially be missed by his children. He was called home on October 6, 2015. Ike was preceded in death by his wife, Patsy W. Brown of 41 years; two brothers, Alfred and William Brown; and sister, Frances Baxter. He leaves to cherish his memory daughter, Ingram D. Brown; two sons, Isaiah lll and Christopher Rolf Brown; sister, Beatrice VanNess (Cedric); and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Isaiah Brown, Jr.

March 29, 1938 - October 6, 2015