Obituary of Leon Brown

Leon's Legacy

Leon (Johnny) Brown, 90, of Camden, NJ passed away peacefully on October 20, 2022. Leon was born in Philadelphia, PA to his father Page Brown and mother Katie Prannell on January 29, 1932. He grew up in Elk Township, NJ, and attended grade school in Glassboro, NJ where he was raised by “Mom Gery”. He often shared stories of his fond childhood memories of living in the NJ country farmlands. In his younger years, he would travel across the country with his church, Bryant’s Temple, for choir trips.

He went on to meet the love of his life, Annie, where they went on to get married and raise their children. Leon had a love for all children, and he took a particular interest in enhancing the lives of children who were developmentally challenged. Leon had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and was eager to work. On the weekends, he cooked and sold BBQ and soul food platters in the neighborhood to help supplement his income while working full time at Owens Corning in the manufacturing plant for fiberglass, roofing, and insulation. He also drove a taxi and sold fresh fish and produce. Even though his full-time career was hazardous, he was a dedicated husband and father, and always took pride in his ability to be a strong provider. Although he was tired from his busy work schedule, he prioritized date nights with his wife, often traveling to Atlantic City, NJ for live shows, dinner, and dancing. Leon and Annie were inseparable and shared a love of music, particularly the blues and jazz. They often hosted parties and welcomed all friends and family with open arms. They made a beautiful life together prior to her passing. In his later years after renting houses throughout his life, he became a first-time homeowner with his niece, Michelle, and his nephew, Noel. Leon was proud of this accomplishment and exhibited his creative talents while decorating their home, especially during the holiday seasons. In the warmer months, he enjoyed gardening and spending time with his dogs while going on long walks.  He loved to work out at the gym, eat sweets and also enjoyed the fellowship & spiritual connections with a special group of people. 

Leon never lost his ambition and love of learning. In his older years after his retirement from Owens Corning, he went on to study at the Vogelson Library in Voorhees Township, NJ by becoming a student of a tutoring program to obtain his G.E.D. He had a full circle of life moment where he later worked part-time in the maintenance department at the Vogelson Library after finishing his course of study. He also worked at the Camden City Hall as a security guard, where he was proud to earn the award of “Employee of the Month.” Leon then went on to become a mentor, participating in outreach programs to lead struggling community members. He was a part of a program called Experience Works, which focuses on community building and job training for seniors. Following this, he became a Deacon at the Camden Bible Tabernacle Church. He had a love of reading and studying Bible scriptures and was very spiritual.

In a spontaneous moment in his retirement years when he turned 80, his niece Michelle encouraged him to fly for the first time, where he traveled to Puerto Rico for a ten-day vacation. In recent years, Leon enjoyed spending time outdoors, and walking near the water. He cherished all moments while spending time with his family, particularly his niece and dedicated caregiver Michelle. It also brought him great joy attending weekend visits with his Carolyn & Nettie at their homes.  He also looked forward to his weekly Friday night telephone calls from “Mommy.” Leon loved being a member of Prestige Medical Day Care, where he was a part of a loving senior community. He was often a lucky winner while playing Bingo and liked to show off his many prizes. Although he did not drive, Leon was proud to still have an active driver’s license which was not set to expire until he was well into his 90s.

Leon's Family

Leon is predeceased by his late wife, Annie D. Brown and is survived by his children Glen and Judy Ann Brown,  Bobby, Miriam, Caroyln Davis, Anette Harding, and Sylvia Appling. The late John Brown, Thomas Edwards & Timmy Appling.

He is also survived by 30 grandchildren & 6 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Leon's Farewell Tribute

Family & friends are invited to a visitation on Saturday, October 29, 2022 from 12 pm to 1 pm at the McGuinness Funeral Home, 573 Egg Harbor Road, Sewell, NJ  08080. Funeral Service will take place from 1 pm to 2 pm.

Memorial contributions can be made in lieu of flowers to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  Please click here: https://www.stjude.org/

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