Dr. Myland Brown

1933 - 2025

Dr. Myland Brown

May 30, 1933 - September 6, 2025

On the morning of September 6, 2025, God called home one of His special servants, Dr. Myland Brown.

Dr. Brown was born on May 30, 1933, in Dothan, Alabama, to the late Henry and Willie May Brown. He was the second oldest child in a family of four, with two sisters and one brother. The Brown family grew up on Acid Plant Hill in Dothan, where Dr. Brown accepted Christ at an early age while attending Greater Beulah Baptist Church.

After graduating from Carver High School in Dothan in 1952, and with the support of Coach Bryant, Dr. Brown enrolled at Alabama State University. His studies were interrupted after his freshman year when he was drafted into the United States Army. He served faithfully at Fort Gordon, Georgia, where he trained as a military police officer. Following his honorable service, Dr. Brown utilized the G.I. Bill to complete his Bachelor's Degree in History at Alabama State University, later earning his Master's Degree in History, with a thesis focused in Guana.

Dr. Brown continued his academic journey at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, where he became the first African American to earn a Doctorate in Education from that institution. While studying at Ball State, he was selected for an assignment in South America, where he served as an educational consultant and was deeply impressed by the structure and organization of their school systems.

Over his remarkable 45-year career as an educator, Dr. Brown touched countless lives. He taught with passion and dedication, receiving numerous awards and accolades, but he always said the honors given to his students meant the most. He was named "Favorite Teacher of the Year" multiple times while teaching in Bainbridge, Georgia. Among his many students, one of his proudest was Kirby Smart, who went on to become the head football coach at the University of Georgia. Former student Alan Blankstein, a Nobel Prize winner and author of several books including Failure Is Not an Option, credits much of his success to the guidance and inspiration of Dr. Myland Brown. Dr. Brown also worked for Delaware State, Fort Valley State, New York State, Barber Scotia College, South Carolina State, and Ball State.

Dr. Brown was also a respected author and philanthropist. His book, Pure Butter, became a Top 10 bestseller. He explained the title by recalling how his mother always used pure butter rather than anything artificial-a principle he carried into education, believing students must be taught with truth, purpose, and sincerity. His philosophy emphasized returning to the basics, instilling values, and guiding young people toward their God-given purpose. His work has inspired countless students to rise above adversity and realize their potential.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Brown was a pillar of his community. He was an active member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Inc., where he gave selflessly through community service. He served on the boards of Southeast Health Medical Center and the Medical College, consistently championing education and healthcare. He was also honored by former Mayor Mike Schmitz with the Key to the City of Dothan for his lifelong contributions to education and philanthropy.

Dr. Brown's personality was as impactful as his achievements. He connected instantly with people, often sharing jokes and his warm, gregarious laugh. He was a true Southern gentleman- an accomplished professional, yet humble and approachable.

Dr. Brown was preceded in death by his loving wife, Janie Evans Brown, his parents, and his siblings, M.L. Brown, Flora Lee Brown, Willie Henry Brown, and John Brown.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his son, Patreace Brown; granddaughter, Toure Ashlynn Collins-Brown; cousins, Wanda Christiani, Linda White, Barbara Parker, and Jean Page Dunbar; and his caregivers, Anthony Fleming and James Tillman. He also leaves behind Dr. Charles Corbitt, like a son to him; Wanda Tennyson, Twyla Peoples, and Rose Patterson Medo (Jay Medo), like daughters to him; and Samuel Medo, Esther Medo, and Ezra Medo, who were dear to his heart as they were like grandchildren to him. He also leaves behind his special friends, Rosalind and Farmer James.

A celebration of Dr. Brown's life will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11am at Great Beulah Baptist Church located at 254 Headland Ave, Dothan, AL. He will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park following military honors. A visitation will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 5pm-7pm at Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home. A visitation will also be held on Saturday at Greater Beulah Church from 10am until 10:30am prior to the service.

Sunset Memorial Park, Funeral Home, & Crematory

1700 Barrington Road, Midland City, AL