Gregory Brown

Gregory Brown Sr., 64 On the morning of July 30th, 2014, surrounded in love by his family, Gregory Brown Sr., of Cleveland, Ohio passed away in Albuquerque, NM. Gregory is survived by his former wife and forever-friend, Mary Francis Brown, his son, Gregory Brown Jr., his daughter, Helynsia N. Brown, his grandchildren, Amaya Brown, Amari Brown and Talon Penn-Brown, his siblings, Cornelius Brown Jr., Nelson Brown Sr., Harriet Smith, Anita Brown, Lawrence Brown, Donald Brown, Karen Taylor, Carley Brown, Leon Brown, and Lois Wood and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members and close friends. Gregory was preceded in death by his mother, Lois Mae Brown, his father, Cornelius Brown, Sr., his sister, Vivian Reed, his brother, Frederick Brown, and his brother, Daryll Brown. Born in Cleveland, Ohio on October 7th, 1949, the 8th of 14 children, Gregory gained tremendous balance of character from his parents � from his mother, Lois he was extended a cultivated, gentle and patient manner and from his father, Cornelius, he earned an unflappable pride and staunch dignity that was evident in his every action, word and movement. Gregory�s quiet confidence and natural charm would earn him lifetime friends from Outhwaite Elementary to Kennard Jr. High to East Technical High School, where he graduated in 1967. He was an avid and talented athlete; he played baseball, basketball and football in his local community. He remained faithful and connected to a great many people from his childhood, finding a particular kindred spirit in Mr. Charles Taylor. Their fraternity endured for over six decades. In 1969, Gregory enlisted in the United States Air Force, completing his basic and technical training before being quickly selected for a tour of service in the Vietnam War. He served his country on the flight line in Vietnam as an active duty Airman, showing unwavering honor, integrity and selfless-dedication to duty. After returning from Vietnam, Gregory was stationed at Kirtland AFB, in Albuquerque, NM. It was at a local dance, in downtown Albuquerque, where a 21-year old SGT Brown would meet an 18-year old Mary. Mary would become his dedicated wife shortly after - their loving bond would yield two children, Gregory Jr., and Helynsia. After separating from the Air Force in 1973, he began working at US West Communications, the local telephone company. There, he worked as a Systems Analyst for over 25 years before retiring � Gregory never used one sick day while employed at US West. After his retirement, he also worked at the University of New Mexico as a technical support representative. Gregory was a mindful and patient husband, father and grandfather, he devoted his entire life to protecting and providing for his family. His evenings and weekends were jammed full of basketball games, practices, drop-offs and pick-ups � as a proud Daddy and a best friend to both of his children, he never failed and he never complained. His voice was the first to carry each year�s happy birthday wish, and every separation or phone call ended in the sincerest, �I Love You.� He taught his children many essential lessons, made up lots of words, and passed on a ton of lasting traditions. Among his countless sayings, there is none that summarize him more than his own, �It�s All Good.� He was �all good� and the best man I�ve ever known. Gregory Brown, you will be sorely missed, your wisdom will be forever sought, and your legacy will be forever enduring. We love you dearly. The Brown family would like to extend a special thank you to the nursing staff at the UNM hospital for their care and support. Also, thank you Daniels Funeral Home for all of the arrangements. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Daniels Funeral Home at 3113 Carlisle Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 on Thursday, August 7, 2014. Funeral services for Gregory will be at Macedonia Church at 1509 Edith Blvd. SE Albuquerque, NM 87102 on Friday, August 8th, 2014. Gregory will receive a military funeral at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM at 3pm.