Rudolph Brown Obituary

Brown Sr., Rudolph C. born January 30, 1925 to the late William and Nancy Chavis-Brown in the Pinners Point community of Portsmouth, VA. He departed this life on November 24, 2009. Rudolph attended Portsmouth Public Schools and graduated from I. C. Norcom High School, Class of 1943. Rudolph joined the US Army in June 1943 and served honorably in WW II, receiving the American Theater Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with (one) Bronze Service Star, Philippine Liberation Service Medal with (one) Bronze Service Star, Good Conduct Medal and WW II Victory Medal. Rudolph was discharged in April 1946. Rudolph moved to Chicago in 1948 where he was employed by the US Postal Service. In 1955 he joined the Chicago Police Department, working mostly in Unit-132, the Bureau of Community Service/Human Relations Section. Rudolph was one of the first police officers assigned to the newly formed Neighborhood Relations Division, later known as the Civil Rights Unit under the direction of Deputy Superintendent, Sam Nolan. This unit's primary focus was to investigate racially charged incidents and work to improve the relationship between communities on the West side of Chicago and the Chicago Police Department. While working in this capacity, Officer Brown was assigned to protect Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his family, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Nancy Jefferson and various celebrities and community organizations. After completing 33 years of service in the Chicago Police Department, Rudolph retired in 1988 and became active in his church, The Congregational Church of Park Manor, where he has been a devoted member since 1954. Rudolph was a member of the Men's Fellowship Group and various other organizations including membership in the George Giles American Legion Post #87 for 19 years. Rudolph is survived by his devoted wife, Dr. Annie Lawrence Brown, with whom he celebrated 19 wonderful years of marriage, his sons, Rudolph (Linda) and Michael (Yevette) of Chicago, IL, one grandson, Kyle Travis (Carla) of Chicago, IL, three granddaughters, Carolyn Brown of Chicago, IL, Kirsten Brown of Los Angeles, CA and Elise Brown of Chicago. IL, three great-granddaughters, Elexus Brown and Breshaun Brown of Chicago, IL and Emerson Travis of Chicago, IL, one brother, Walter R. Brown of Portsmouth, VA, two sisters, Matrie Norfleet of Cary, NC and Rhoda Whitfield of Portsmouth, VA. Rudolph was predeceased by his first wife, Marion Byrd Brown of Churchland, VA in January, 1985, he was predeceased by three brothers, Sagasta Brown, Albert Brown, and William Brown, and five sisters, Marjorie Melton, Alma Scott, Evelyn Scroggins, Helen Smith, and Alene Griffin. "Brownie," was Uncle Rudolph to numerous nieces and nephews. He will be remembered for his style and grace, love of family, strong character, tremendous work ethic, the importance of education, compassion and the ability to relate to all people. Visitation will be held at Noon on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at The Congregational Church of Park Manor, 7000 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60637 with Funeral Services at 1:00 p.m.