Howard Lewis Brown

Howard Lewis Brown was born on September 17, 1947, to Clifford Brown and Theresa Graves in Columbus, Ohio. He was born twenty minutes later than his identical twin brother, Harry Francis Brown. They remained in Columbus until age 5, when they moved to Toledo, Ohio, to live with their "forever parents" Clifford and Dorothy Brown.

Howard attended Toledo Public Schools, graduating from Jesup W. Scott High School in 1966. Howard matriculated at Central State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in 1970 and a Master of Education from the University of Toledo in 1980.

After the death of his father, Howard returned to Toledo, where he reconnected with the love of his life, Gwendolyn Roberts. They were married on August 22, 1979. With this union came two daughters, Felicia Roberts-Dunston and Crystal Brown. All of his life, he relished being a father not only to Felicia and Crystal but also a father figure to Tammy McKittrick and Myron Duhart.

Howard was employed with Toledo Public Schools for thirty-six years and held numerous positions, including Dean of Students at Woodward High School, Pupil Personnel Supervisor, Director of Multi-Cultural Education, and culminating as Principal of Libbey High School and Small School Leader in 2009. Howard also served as the Toledo Association of Administrative Personnel (TAAP) Vice President and Director of Safety City.

Howard confessed his belief in Christ at a young age. He was ordained as a Deacon at Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a Trustee, Superintendent of Sunday School, Secretary of the Deacon Board, and Director of Christian Education. Howard and Gwen later became faithful members of Second Baptist Church, where he serves on the Deacon Board.

Howard L. Brown is a distinguished and deeply respected member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., having crossed into the brotherhood on February 14, 1972, at the Xi Tau Chapter in Toledo, Ohio. Over the past 52 years, Howard has been an exemplar of commitment, leadership, and dedication to the fraternity's Four Cardinal Principles. His devotion is evident through the numerous roles he has held, including Basileus on three occasions, Vice Basileus (multiple times), Treasurer, and Keeper of the History, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to the chapter's success.

Howard's influence extends beyond chapter officer positions, as he has led key committees that drive social engagement, academic empowerment, and health education within the community. In addition to serving as the Chairman of the Social Committee and Scholarship Committee, he chaired the Health Forum Committee, which had been instrumental in hosting the annual Prostate Cancer Education/Awareness Program and Community Health Fair, in partnership with the Toledo Council of Black Nurses and various community sponsors. These programs have not only raised awareness but have also created access to vital health resources for countless community members.

In the wider fraternity, Howard Brown's leadership continued in the 4th District, where he served as Assistant Chaplain and co-chaired the Regional Scholarship Committee. His unwavering dedication and exceptional service to the fraternity and his community did not go unnoticed; Brother Brown received a Certificate of Recognition from the Toledo City Council, honoring his lasting impact and outstanding representation of Omega Psi Phi. One of Howard's greatest sources of pride is sharing the legacy of Omega Psi Phi with his family, alongside his father Clifford Brown, twin brother Harry Brown, Sr., nephews Harry Brown Jr. and Clifford Brown, and grandsons Philip Dunston and Dannie Duhart. Through his steadfast commitment, Howard continued to inspire generations, embodying the values of Omega Psi Phi and leaving a legacy that will impact many for years to come.

Throughout his life, Howard always remained dedicated to his family and the community, serving on various boards and organizations, including the Frederick Douglass Community Association, United Way, Neighborhood Health Services, the Medical College of Ohio at Toledo Foundation, and the City of Toledo Board of Community Relations.

The true measure of Howard's legacy was his kindness and his gift of love for his family and friends. He planted seeds of faith, courage, respect for God, and the tenacity of seeing dreams fulfilled. He always encouraged his children, grandchildren, nephews, close friends, and their children to aspire to do their best and follow their dreams while offering himself as a mentor and confidant.

Howard is preceded by his parents, Theresa Graves and Clifford (Dorothy) Brown, his brother, Harry Brown Sr., and his godson, John Jeffrey Roberts. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of forty-six years, Gwendolyn Brown; daughters Felicia (William) Dunston and Crystal Brown; special children Myron (Nicole) Duhart and Tammy McKittrick; grandchildren, also known as Camp Brown, Philip (Keeya) Dunston, Chelsea (Wesley) Amadi, Richard Fleming IV, Sommer Butler, Shanice McKittrick, Shawn Tompkins, Dannie Duhart, Myranda Duhart, and Mycala Duhart; nine great-grandchildren (Camp Brown the Next Generation); godchildren, Taylor Petty and Sydney Petty, and a host of family and friends.