Jerry Lee Brown

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Zion Center 1380 East Napier Ave. Benton Harbor, MI 49022

May the work I’ve done and the life I’ve lived speak for me. Jerry L. Brown, 62, suddenly and unexpectantly departed this life, Sunday, May 10, 2026. The first child born from the union of Willie Otis and Lula Mae Brown, Jerry was born Saturday, October 5, 1963. He would eventually become the eldest of nine siblings.

Jerry was a 1981 graduate of Benton Harbor High School. That fall, he attended Ferris State University as a nuclear engineering major. His 34-year career, at Cook Nuclear Power Plant, led him from Utility Crew intern to Fire Brigade Dept. Shift Supervisor. A natural leader and steward of finance, Jerry was a trusted organizer of events and celebrations for his classmates, co-workers, and their families. He had a heart for the youth, those who felt unseen, marginalized, and underserved. Be it Detroit, South Bend or Benton Harbor, for more than 50 years, Jerry always found himself a church home where he learned from leaders who were biblical scholars. His love for scripture lead to him to study and graduate from International Theological Seminary with a concentration in Pastoral Ministry. That led to the formation of Zion Tabernacle Ministries.

Jerry never met a stranger and had no enemies. He would greet you with a smile and often gave out his special Jerry Brown hugs. Always upbeat and encouraging. Those who knew him will remember his joyful personality, strong faith, and his favorite saying: “I’m Excellent.”  As a youth, he had a special love for bowling and singing in Community Choirs. So much so, he would sneak out of his window at night to bowl with the adult leagues hoping his mom would not read about his high scores in the next issue of the Herald Palladium. He was a founding member and treasurer of the Michiana Gospel Choir (MGC), a Chapter Choir Member, and Nicknamed a “rent-a-tenor,” he shared his musical gift with many choirs in the area culminating with the annual participation in the Gospel Music Workshops of America

In addition to his parents, he leaves to cherish many fond memories his wife of 28 years Tashama Brown, daughter Tianah Smith, three sons: Jarren Brown, Justin Brown, and Joshua Brown. Granddaughter Janelle Smith and Grandson Houston Brown. Brothers Brian (Angela) Kelly of Louisville, KY, Javoughn (Laquioya) Brown and Marcelles Brown both of Las Vegas, NV and Mark Brown of Benton Harbor, MI. Sisters Connie Jean Brown of Dayton, OH, Mershele Brown of Austell, GA, and Alisha Brown of Marietta, GA. Uncles Jeremiah & Isaiah Fowler, Aunts Arie Guidry, Margaret Fowler, Earnestine (William) Thomas and Delores Askew. A loving family of in-laws, a host of amazing nieces, nephews, and cousins. Four of which were more like his bonus siblings.

Jerry is preceded in death by his sister, Calista Rean Brown, nephew Brandon Kelly, Godparents Gwendolyn McCree and Calvin Swanigan, Aunts Geraldine Parker, Anna Kelley, and Betty Turner. Uncles Billy Crane, Troy Fowler, Delmus Brandon, Leroy, Clyde, Dave Willie, Raymond, Laymond, Michael, and Charles Brown, along with his Grandparents Jimmie & Helen Brown, Augusta Fowler, and Lucinda Zimmerman.

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