Dennis Jerome Brown, Sr.

Dennis Jerome Brown, Sr. ~ This is my Story

In loving memory of Dennis Jerome Brown, Sr., 69, who passed away peacefully on August 20, 2024, at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. Born on July 13, 1955, in Iredell County, Dennis was the cherished son of the late Bishop Verlon M. Brown and Mother Ocie Mae Dowdy Brown.

Dennis shared a lifelong, loving companionship with Sandra Sherrill Brown. His 47-year union with his beloved wife, Sandra, was a testament to the enduring power of love, commitment, and resilience. Together, they raised three incredible children: Dennis (DJ) Brown, Jr., Lashirah Nicole Brown, and the late Jeremy Alexander Brown. Their family was his heart and soul, including the loving asset of his cherished granddaughter, Lailah Shirelle Brown.

A proud graduate of Statesville High School’s class of 1973, Dennis went on to serve his country with honor as a member of the United States Air Force. Afterward, he dedicated 32 years of service as a Deputy with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Department, where he was known for his integrity, loyalty, and unwavering work ethic.

Dennis was raised by his parents to honor both faith and community, grounding his life in a strong foundation rooted in Christianity. He found solace and connection as a lifetime member of the Commandment Keepers Church of the Living God, Bibleway Headquarters, in Statesville, NC and the local community, lovingly called “Rankintown, USA”. His parents were deeply committed and faithful servants of the church, passing on a legacy of devotion that Dennis upheld throughout his life. As a former member of the Jubilee Gospel Singers, he served as the percussionist, contributing his talent and passion for music. Later, Dennis became a devoted attendee and reliable presence at St. Paul Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, where he expanded his church family among his fellow congregants. At St. Paul, he served faithfully as a security supervisor, always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed.

Dennis was cherished for his infectious laughter and warm spirit, qualities that resonated deeply at every family gathering, particularly with his brothers. The joy shared between Dennis and his brothers was so uplifting that their laughter would spread to everyone around them, even those unaware of the reason for their mirth—such was the joyous power of true brotherly love. As the youngest of 13 siblings, Dennis was the 'baby' of the Brown family, a sweet-spot that afforded him favor with his siblings.

Dennis was an avid sports enthusiast, unwavering in his devotion to the Carolina Tarheels, Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, and, before the Panthers were founded, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Whether watching football, tennis, or the Olympics, Dennis found immense joy in sports—a passion he eagerly shared with his family. Recently, he was particularly excited about learning pickleball with his daughter, Lashirah, who thoughtfully purchased them a pickleball set in preparation for the sport. Dennis really enjoyed the outdoors, finding peace in nature and the simplest pleasures of life, an enjoyment that set him apart from his wife and children. He could often be found spending hours under his gazebo, relaxing and listening to music. His family would gently tease him when the streetlights came on, suggesting it was time to come inside, but Dennis would simply smile and stay put in his favorite spot.

Dennis was preceded in death by his beloved son, Jeremy Alexander Brown, along with eight siblings: Blonnette Brown Daye, James Nathaniel Brown, Bishop K.E.V. Brown (Evelyn), Mae Neil Lackey (Ollie), Douglas Anthony Brown, Geneva Chambers Blackwell, Donald Andrew Brown, and Vera Viola Flowers. He was also predeceased by his in-laws: Hattie Brown Mathis, Teresa Brown, Landis Cuthrell, O.T. Chambers, Sharon Kay Sherrill, and his father-in-law, Alexander Arthur Mazon Sherrill.

Dennis leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him. Cherishing his memory are his devoted wife, Sandra; his beloved children, DJ and Lashirah; and his treasured granddaughter, Lailah. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Shirley Knox Sherrill; his siblings: Matthew ‘Mackie’ Brown (Loretta) of Corona, NY, Samuel Brown (Stephanie) of Snellville, GA, Artis Felton Brown, and David Brown of Statesville, NC; and a cherished niece-sister, Carolyn Brown Cuthrell of Statesville, NC. Dennis was blessed with a large extended family, including in-laws: Bertha Nesbit, Phyllis Brown, LJ Flowers, and Deborah Sherrill Campbell (Leonard). His lifelong friend, Greg Moss, (aka Reverend Dr. Gregory Nkrumah K); special great-nephew, Sheldon Cuthrell; special niece, Rhonda Flowers-Corpening; and his Godsons, Michael ‘Mike-Mike’ Jr. and Jamario Mayhew, also held special places in his heart. Family was one of Dennis’s favorite words, and he leaves behind a treasure trove of love for a host of nieces, nephews, friends, colleagues, and neighbors, all of whom will dearly miss his kindness, generosity, and infectious laughter.

Today, we mourn his passing, yet we celebrate the beautiful life he lived and the profound impact he made. Rest in peace, dear Dennis, your memory will forever be cherished in our hearts.