Malbert R. Brown

MALBERT R. BROWN, SR., the son of the late William and Helen Brown, was born in Baltimore, Maryland on February 25, 1921 and passed on February 26, 2003.As a teenager, Malbert lived in the Sandtown neighborhood where he met Grace V. Campbell. They dated for approximately five years and then married on January 10, 1945. From this union, eight children were born: Grace I. Crowner, Malbert R. Brown, Jr., Sandra V. Brown, Lorenzo W. Brown (deceased), Cephas G. W. Brown (deceased), LaRessa H. Queen, Marshelle R. Jackson, and Lisa D. Smith. And their fourteen (14) grandchildren: Zina, Tanya, Wanda (deceased), Moab, Sean, Kevyn, Taavon, Cephas, Jr., Swaynee, Miesha, Stevee, ShaNel, Zina, and DeLacy.Malbert attended Baltimore City Public Schools and as a youngster worked multiple odd jobs. Of all the many jobs he worked, it was the “waterfront” he loved most of all. While attending Frederick Douglass High School, he was very industrial. He was ecstatic after receiving his union card, validating him as a member of the International Longshoremen’s Association in the Port of Baltimore—Local #921. Malbert’s desire to provide for his young and growing family led him to work long hours.A new housing development came to Malbert’s attention, and he and Grace moved their, then, 6 children to South Baltimore in a community called Cherry Hill. After residing in the corner townhouse on Bethune Road, for approximately 15 years, Malbert moved his family (now totaling 10) in town to the Forest Park area. A few years later, Malbert had new neighbors in the Gwynn Oak community of Baltimore City where he and his wife remained for nearly 23 years. After 37 years of being a longshoreman (once serving as vice-president of his Grain Trimmer gang), providing for his family, watching his kids grow and leave the nest, he decided to retire in January 1983. He enjoyed his retirement entertaining at home, caring for his yard, vacationing in the islands, traveling via boat cruises, and bus trips to Atlantic City.In 1994, Malbert devoted full-time attention to his wife, who had become ill and unable to care for herself, until the time of her death in 1999. He looked forward to celebrating his 82nd birthday and was excited in preparing for his special day on February 25, but God called him home. Malbert took great care of his health and was an active senior citizen.Malbert is survived by: 1 son, 5 daughters, 13 grandchildren, great grandchildren; 3 sisters (Helen, Thelma, Elise); 6 sisters-in-law (Harriette, Kitty, Ruth, Beulah, Lagretta, Vera, Ola); 1 brother-in-law (Phil); longshoremen buddies (Crump, Sam, Chester); a special friend (Geraldine) and a host of relatives, neighbors and friends.

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Malbert R. Brown

February 25, 1921 - February 26, 2003