Melvin Elijah Brown

The Chronicle Mr. Melvin Elijah Brown, USN Retired In the quiet of the night on Sunday June 3rd, the Angel of the Lord unobtrusively entered my hospital room and in the twinkling of an eye I, Melvin Elijah Brown, was transported from my bed of affliction into the glorious presence and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. It had only been just a short time that same evening that I held the hand of my beloved wife of 33 years, Brenda, whom I affectionately called "Shorty". She and I knew that my earthly journey was coming to a close, so I tried to hold the hand of my love Brenda, the same hand that had comforted me, took care of me, prayed for me, lifted me, chided me, carried me, and love me through the thick and thin of our life together. It is that last touch that remains in my mind and will last in my heart forever. My life was very satisfied. I served 21 great years in the United States Navy. I received an honorable discharge and attained special honors decorated with a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal and five Good Conduct medals. I was a Goodwill Ambassador in Race Relations and was Chief Gunners Mate as Guns Power Trainer. While in active duty, I served on the USS Sierra and gave extended month of service to the fleet. The Navy was the star in my crown, especially being able to serve two tours of duty in Vietnam and to provide Special Details for Soldiers returning from war to their home soil. I was proud to serve our country. After I retired from the military, I was employed at Henrico County Public Schools as a custodian and maintenance technician. While employed, I had the respect of the teachers and principals so much so that I was often asked to read to the children during Book Week and help on other special days and events. I retired after 10 years of working for the school system. This was my second retirement. I also worked at the Internal Revenue Service and at Reynolds Metal. Throughout my work life I have received several certificates and commendations for my great work ethic and for upholding the values of the company. As time would have it, my life started to slow down, but I wasn't finished with living. Upon receiving Jesus Christ as my Savior, my life took on new energy and new life. I, along with my wife Brenda, we found ourselves being called to serve the church and God's Kingdom. As a member of Faith Landmark, I was dutiful in the Usher Ministry as well as serving in Special Detail for events. I loved the teaching of the Word and enjoyed fellowship with other Christian believers. When my wife was called to higher service, I was her greatest cheerleader! Wherever God called her to serve, I went gladly supporting her work of ministry. It wasn't always easy, but I knew that the will of God must be done. In my faith journey, I became a Surrogate Father to many younger men and women in the faith, who are present here today. I didn't talk a lot, but when I did, they listened and honored me. Shorty and I always kept an open door policy to our extended Christian family. But not only did I have a great Christian family, I had a wonderful family. To my beloved Bride of 33 years, Rev. Brenda A. Brown, my Shorty and joy of my heart, 'I Never Could Have Made It Without You'. You have stood by my side in sickness and in health; you kept the home fires burning. I know I will miss you, but I'm at peace knowing that we have an eternity in heaven together. I will always love you. Sorrowfully I had two sons who preceded me in death, Kevin Harris and Daryl Brown. But I had the joy in knowing my three sons, their spouses Melvin Washington (Bernice), Antoine Washington, Melvin Stuart (Stacey) and my beautiful daughter, Darlene Harris; my sisters and their spouses. Carolyn Brown and Joan McGill (Donald); my brothers, and their spouses James Brown (Sylvia), Leon Brown (Nettie), Carlton Brown (Elsa) and Pastor Ralph Brown Sr. (Sue), and a great host of other relatives and carifriends. We had a lot of good times together. Thank you for being my family. I fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith. I now rest from my labor and receive my eternal reward. I'll see you all again on the other side. Resting In Peace, Big Melvin

Tributes

Melvin Elijah Brown

August 30, 1936 - June 3, 2018