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Gary D. Brown

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Gary Brown Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by N.J. Ford and Sons Funeral Home, Inc. on Jan. 6, 2026.

Gary D. Brown, 74. Passed on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Visitation will be held 10:00am until Service at 11:00am on Saturday, January 17, 2026. All at Anointed Temple of Praise, 3939 Riverdale Rd. Burial will be at Southwoods Memorial Cemetery. N.J. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, 12 S Parkway W, 901-948-7755.

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Recent Activity

January 29, 2026

Edward Herbert Brown, Jr. SU'69, MPA'78 posted to the memorial.

January 28, 2026

Edward Herbert Brown, Jr. posted to the memorial.

January 17, 2026

Pat Solomon posted to the memorial.

23 Entries

Edward Herbert Brown, Jr. SU'69, MPA'78

January 29, 2026

Edward Herbert Brown, Jr.

January 28, 2026

Pat Solomon

January 17, 2026

RIP cousin Gary

Tony Bennia

January 17, 2026

When my college roommate, Gary, passed, I´ve been thinking a lot about who he was and what he meant to me.

Gary was serious, focused, and unwaveringly committed-a true doer who made things happen. When he envisioned 'The Black Voice,' our college newspaper, it was more than an idea; it was a mission. By hook or by crook, he pulled together the people, resources, and determination needed to bring it to life. I was honored to work alongside him in making that vision a reality.

At seventeen, I was still absorbing the world and its many influences. Gary expanded that world for me. He introduced me to the music of John Coltrane-music that spoke in truths deeper than words-and to the concept of Pan-Africanism, planting ideas that would resonate long after our college years.

Gary was an accomplished and gifted writer. His voice was evident in his contributions to 'The Black Voice' and later to 'Core Magazine' after graduation. His writing reflected clarity, purpose, and conviction-always grounded in the belief that words could inform, challenge, and inspire.

Above all, Gary was committed: to the cause, to his family, to his friends, to his profession, and to his belief in himself. He lived with intention and integrity, leaving a legacy of action, intellect, and courage.

He will be missed-but his influence endures in the lives he touched, the ideas he championed, and the work he made real.

My condolences and much love to his family.

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Sam Penceal

January 17, 2026

Dear Ed

My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your brother.. You became a favorite of Jim Thweatt, Vaughn Harper and mine the first time we met you on Marshall Street. Our sense of family also included Gary once we met him.

We were pleased to be present that day when the idea to support students who look like us at SU was developed. Congratulations on the great work you have done. We are pleased that what we've done has served as an example for colleges throughout the country.

May Gary rest in well deserved peace.

Byron Merritt

January 17, 2026

Our family sends condolences to Gary's family and many friends. I became aware of Gary through his brother, my friend of 50 years, Ed, who spoke glowingly of his younger brother soon coming to Syracuse University where both of us were undergraduates. Ed never lied, Gary came onto the campus of S.U. like a very "quiet storm". Not long after his arrival, he organized and published, "The Black Voice" student newspaper which articulated the demands of Black students at Syracuse University for long overdue respect and resources.
Fast forward twenty five years, Gary joined, the St. Paul Baptist Church, in Brooklyn, N.Y., pastored by the dynamic minister, Rev. Johnny Ray Youngblood, where he would grow to become an Elder in this body. At that time, St. Paul was one of the most revolutionary Black churches in the country doing cutting edge social gospel ministry. I remember speaking with Gary on one occasion during this period, his depth and breadth of thought, his clarity about what our communities needed still reverberates in my spirit today. If ever there was a contemporary disciple of Jesus, the Christ, Gary was certainly one.
To engage in conversation with Gary was a joy, an adventure in deep thinking, a momentary gift to experience what authentic existence might be. Rest in peace Gary, rise in power, for the good seeds you have sown, are soon to bloom.
Your brother, Byron Merritt, class of 1970.

Ronald Payne

January 16, 2026

My heartfelt sympathies to his brother Ed, his wife Louise, and his son Imaruvbe, and all the Brown relatives on Gary's transition. I, like other Lincoln Project residents, knew Gary for decades. Gary was a serious and thoughtful person since childhood. He was interested in politics, writing, the world and, of course, family. As a youngster, he even skipped a grade before following his brother to Syracuse University. Gary was definitely hardworking and serious. He will be able to tell his father Ed and his mother Alma that, "I tried to honor you and all the ancestors". Gary Brown you will be remembered and missed by all who knew you.

An old project boy,
Ronald Payne

Wilhelmina Brown( sister in- law)

January 16, 2026

Gary Davis Brown. My brother in -law was a nice gentleman .A dedicated man to his wife and family. Religious and dedicated to his church ,loved God and his neighbor and very respectful and sweet gentleman..I saw that he also loved and respected his parents and naturally transmitted such to all elderly . He always called me sister. Never my name . Kind and listened when we talk. Never cut me off Once his brother and l were going to Africa and in our conversation, l mentioned how many junior wives he has in Africa. A term we use when one has relative senior or junior sister or brother in law to their spouse. He quickly said "No l hace a wife l married to only one woman". I had to explain. My last vivid and beautiful memory of him was when he called his brother about a month ago and while they chatted,somehow the conversation drifted toward fond memories and he started singing to his brother about one of their favorite childhood songs about loving each other and loving God. I said to Ed" Is that Gary singing to you? That is so sweet". He was a God fearing man, dedicated to God, wife and family and Gary Davis Brown we miss you

Edward Herbert Brown Jr.

January 16, 2026

Here is the lmk to the Church where my brother Gary's Funeral will be taking place. It's this Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11am (CST) which is 12 Noon (EST). Feel free to call me if you have any questions.

Peace Blessings and Love
Ed Brown aka Mike

https://atop.online.church

Mark Davis

Sent Flowers

Senghor Jawara Baye

January 14, 2026

Sending our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and community of the transition of your love one. Make God grant you peace and comfort in these times. We hold the family in prayer. UNIA-ACL RC2020 and my family. 1st Assistant PG Senghor Jawara Baye

ALFRED HILDRETH

January 14, 2026

Sending heartfelt sympathy to the Gary`s wife Louise his son Imaruvbe his brother Mike and the entire Brown family. I´ve known Gary my entire life. We grew up in the famous Lincoln Projects in Harlem, New York. Gary was always very studious like his brother Mike and their father, Edward Brown Senior I will always remember the beautiful debate camping trips and political topics that we talked about going up and the beautiful life you lived. You´ve gone on to join our ancestors, that beautiful journey we all must take. Till we meet again my brother rest in peace, ALFRED HILDRETH and Family.

Edwina Wunlam Mezo Brown

January 14, 2026

Uncle Gary was my Dearly Beloved Uncle -my dad´s only brother. I have fond memories of visiting him and Auntie Louise in New York, and most recently seeing them in September 2023 at their home in Memphis for his 72nd Birthday.

We spoke often, usually when I was coming home from school or on my way back. He would sometimes ask the same questions about my major, my school, and what year I was in, but he always ended our conversations the same way-encouraging me to keep doing well, telling me he was proud of me, and reminding me that he loved me.

Those words meant everything to me. I love you, Uncle Gary, and I will always carry you in my heart.

Mark Davis

January 14, 2026

I have known and looked up to Gary my entire life. As one of 2 First Cousins he has made impacts that resound for me daily. He also shares my name "Davis". To say this is a great loss is minimizing his impact on all of us. His legacy lives on. He will be missed. My condolences to all his entire family.

Meshella Woods

January 13, 2026

Dear Brother Ed and the Brown Family,

Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved brother, Gary. His powerful legacy-as a writer, organizer, and voice of the movement-lives on in those he inspired and the path he helped to shape. May you find comfort in knowing that his impact will not be forgotten.

Holding you in thought and prayer during this difficult time.

In solidarity,
Meshella

Alexander (Mills) Stewart

January 12, 2026

We extend our sympathy and prayers to the family of our cousin, Gary. May you find comfort with wonderful memories. You all are in our thoughts and prayers, the Stewarts

Bill Francis

January 12, 2026

Gary was one of W.E.B. Du Bois´s `Talented Tenth´ - educated, exceptional communicators and leaders our communities needed to survive and thrive! At S.U., Gary gathered talented young Afro writers, artists and activists onto the `Black Voice´ student newspaper, to galvanize and report about the racial, cultural and political movements being waged on campuses, and throughout the world! His voice and leadership were among the most important and impactful, during our impressionable college years of the turbulent and watershed days of the late 60s/early 70s! R.I.P. Gary, knowing that you made a difference!

Benjamin Green

January 11, 2026

My BIG brother from another mother, my heart will forever hold your wisdom. As you join the ancestors, I thank God you were an Angel in my life. Rest In Power, always!

Wesley Dias

January 11, 2026

Gary meet the challenge of making the world better than when you found it. He was generous with his time, wisdom, and encouragement. He gave meaningful support to many of us Freshman in the fall of 1970. I am glad to have been a beneficiary of his attention as he strove to facilitate my adjustment to college life. His legacy is unimpeachable as evidenced by the countless lives he positively impacted. Rest in peace Gary as your job was well done.

Gwynne Wilcox

January 11, 2026

I send my condolences to Ed and the entire Brown family. I can still remember meeting Gary at SU soon after I came on campus. To me, Gary was a serious upperclassman who was happy to share info with a newbie. Of course, I learned a lot from him about the activities of the Black and Latin students. He was always committed to advancing the causes to benefit us and we had many informative conversations especially on campus and afterwards. Gary, please rest in peace and power for the all of your dedication, compassion and great work you did to benefit all of us.

Yvonne B. Abunaw

January 11, 2026

Sending my condolences to my friend Edward H. Brown and his family. May your brother rest peacefully and fond memories be a blessing. . From Yvonne

Joe Cruz

January 11, 2026

Gary had a significant impact on the SU campus. He made a difference in all our lives. He will live in our hearts until we meet again in God´s Kingdom.