William Brown Obituary

Brown Sr., William Allen Community activist, actor, politician, police officer, and educator, with his daughter by his side, quietly passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2015 at Kindred Hospital in Northlake, IL. Strong-willed and determined, he lived independently until he suffered a stroke in July 2014. A lifelong Chicagoan, William was born to the late Arthur Garfield and Anna Mae (Reid) Brown on April 24, 1931, the sixth out of six children. He accepted Christ into his life at an early age. He attended Calumet High School - his friends called him "Crip" due to a sports-related injury to his leg. William graduated high school in 1949. He enlisted into the U.S. Air Force in 1951, where he served in the Korean War, spending one year, three months, and four days overseas - in Japan, too. William received four medals of Honor while in service to our country including two Bronze Stars, two Korean Service Medals and the National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably discharged in October 1959. William united in holy matrimony with Adena Bland in 1959. From this union, three children were born, William Jr., Debra, and Jerry (Edyta). In 1975, William received his Bachelor of Arts from Columbia College (University); he then obtained his Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies, African Cultures from Governors State University in 1984. William spent 15 years "serving and protecting" as a Chicago Police Officer. He later became an educator with Malcolm X College until he retired. William was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Anna Mae Brown; three brothers, Arthur Jr., James, and Everett Brown; two sisters, Mildred (Edwin) Blackwell and Anna (Clarence) Bullard, and two nephews, Avon Brown and Anthony Blackwell. William is survived by his three children, William Jr., Debra, and Jerry (Edyta) Brown; three grandchildren, Vincent, Julian, and Gabriel Brown; his niece, Yvonne (Willis) Webb, and grandniece, Michelle Webb, along with many other family members, associates, and old friends who bid William "Bill" Brown a fond farewell. " ... and, did it my way!" Resting place: Burton Funeral Home, 6217 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60636, 773.434.5200. Family Viewing/Visitation: 3:00-6:00 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2015. Funeral Services: New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1252 S. Wolcott, Chicago, lL 312.733.1262. Wake: 10:00 a.m. Funeral: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2015; street parking. Burial Burr Oaks Cemetery, 4400 West 127th Street, Alsip, IL 60803, 773.233.5676 with Military Honors.