Edward G. Brown Jr.

Edward G. Brown Jr., 87 of West Chester, PA passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at Brandywine Hall, West Chester, Pa. Edward was born May 10, 1926 to the late Edward C. Brown Sr. and Elva Richardson Brown. He attended and graduated from Avon-Grove School District. He was an Eagle Scout in the first Black troop in Avondale. He enlisted into the United States Air Force, loyally served his country and received an honorable discharge. Several mushroom companies employed him before he went to FMC. He was the first Afro-American union president and shop steward at FMC in Kennett Square, which was bought out by Cyclops Strapping and the first Afro-American to grace the cover of their catalog. After twenty-seven years of service, he retired. He was also employed by the Borough of Avondale part time. In his early years, he was a member of Galilee U.A.M.E Church. Edward joined Mt. Tabor A.M.E. Zion Church and was a faithful member for thirty- three years. He was on both the Trustee and Steward Board, treasurer of the Capital Building Fund and Men's Fellowship, faithful member of the prayer band and attended Bible study. He was the keeper of the candy basket for the Children Moments; they knew he had goodies in that basket. Edward was a long time resident of Avondale before he moved to West Grove then to Jennersville. He never dreamed that helping to maintain a neighborhood park would lead to any special recognition but the Borough of Avondale decided it was time to give back. For their integrity, years of service and unselfish commitment to the residents of the Borough of Avondale, Edward and his brother, Harold, were honored to have a section of the James Watson Park named after them. The portion of the park, which borders East Third Street and White Clay Creek, will forever be known as The Thompson-Brown Park. Edward loved being with family, attending those Jackson BBQ's, watching football and relaxing. He is survived by one daughter, Cheryl Brown Holmes, husband Charles E. Sr. of West Chester; three sons, Joel M. Brown Sr., wife Renee of Philadelphia, Earl K Brown (Kenny), wife Courtney of Baltimore, Md., Kerry S. Brown Sr. of West Grove; brother Harold Brown of Avondale; sisters Joanne Cooper of Parkesburg, Yvonne Goodwin of West Grove; sister-in-law Pearl Cunningham of Lansdowne; eleven grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. His wife Kathryn Jackson Brown; son Edward P. Brown and two grandchildren, Michelle Johnson and Kevin, preceded him in death. The family is requesting donations in Edward's memory be made to the Evelyn Inez Jackson Scholarship Fund of Mt. Tabor AME Zion Church, 314 Church St., Avondale, PA 19311. A service of memory will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2013 at Mt. Tabor AME Zion Church, 314 Church Street,Avondale, Pa. Inter-ment will be at the Union Hill Cemetery, Kennett Square, Pa. Uplifting Life Services are being arranged by the DeBaptiste Funeral Homes, Inc. of West Chester and Bryn Mawr. Visit www. DeBaptiste.com for information and to send condolences - 610-696-4812.