Obituary of Rev. Melvin Brown

Rev. Melvin Brown, son of the Charles Sr. and Geneva Brown was born on October 18, 1952.  He departed this life on August 25, 2019.

He was a graduate of the Penns Grove High School, Class of 1971, located in Carney’s Point, NJ.  After graduation he enlisted in the US Army.  Melvin was an active member of the South Jersey Coalition now known as the Salem County Coalition for 30 years and served as President for 10 years.  He also was a faithful member of the NAACP, Salem CountyBranch.

He began learning Karate in the 60’s and 70’s from Sensei Gorilla Thompson.  On January 29, 1977 Sensei Melvin Brownobtained his black belt from Master James Thornton. Sensei Melvin Brown attended Iron Cobra Dojo II at the YMCA in Penns Grove, NJ teaching Goju Ryu Karate along with Sensei Franklin L. Dowe and Sensei Donnie Averiett.  He was promoted to 4th degree black belt, after completing a series of martial arts training.  His last tournament was at the Ozzi Wright Championship Tournament in Chester, PA in 2015 where he fought opponents and won first place in the Senior Division.

He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized by the Late King David Tunstall of the Second Baptist Church, Pedricktown, NJ.  Rev. Brown began his studies to be ordained initially under the tutelage of his brother, the late Rev. Charles E Brown, Jr. and studies were completed under the direction of Rev. Dr. Edward W. Dorn.  Rev Brown was the first Bethany Baptist Associate candidate who knew the questions, answers and scripture references for all (159) of the questions.  He was ordained to preach in 2004.  He taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, attended Bible Study and enjoyed going to the Prison Ministry In Salem County.

Rev. Brown was united in holy matrimony on July 28, 1978 to the love of his life Lucille Ledbetter Brown.  From this uniontwo sons were born and they blended together a family of seven children.  In later years, they adopted and raised Christian and Miguel Herrera.

Rev. Brown was predeceased by his parents; Charles and Geneva Brown; his sisters; Charlesetta Spence and Geneva White; his brother, Rev. Charles E Brown, Jr. his two sons; Germaine Brown and Charles M Brown, Sr.; daughter; Trudy M. Ledbetter, grandchildren; Charlesetta R. Brown, Anistasia Gear and Charles M Brown, Jr.

Rev. Brown is survived by his wife, Lucille Ledbetter Brown, his children Kenya Winchester, Rodney Cleveland, Melvin Robinson, Sr. (Kathy), Dee Dee Wilson, Charles Wilson (Ursula), Garrett Wilson, Sr., Carl J. Washington, Jr. (Ignacia); siblings, David Brown (Deborah), Jesse C. Brown (Debbie), Renee’ C. Brown-Ransome (Milford); In-laws, Lillie Lewis, Atlas Ledbetter, Robert Ledbetter, Judy Ann Barriento(Humfredo), William Roy(Ruth), Evertte Roy, Tara Stewart,aunts; Saundra Lee, Cleopatra Johnson, Jackie Johnson; 90 grandchildren, 58 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.