Obituary published on Legacy.com by Evans & Browne's Funeral Home on Feb. 1, 2025.
McLovely Brown, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, was born on September 6, 1944, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, to Arthur and Rosa Brown. He was one of 17 children.
McLovely's journey began in North Carolina, where he attended McArthur High School and worked on his parents farm during his early years. Seeking new opportunities, he later moved to Pennsylvania where he mastered his skills as an exceptional cook. A true blessing of this move was meeting the love of his life, Lillian Eichelberger. They married and eventually relocated to Saginaw Michigan, in pursuit of better job opportunities. McLovely quickly secured employment at Malleable Iron, where he worked diligently until his retirement.
Raised as the son of a farmer, McLovely had a natural talent for gardening, a passion he embraced throughout his retirement. He and Lillian took great pride in growing fresh vegetables, canning their harvest, and sharing the harvest with family and friends. Cooking was another joy of his, and he found happiness in preparing meals straight from their garden. He enjoyed watching Westerns, religious programs and his favorite game show The Price Is Right.
McLovely cherished time with his family and friends. He enjoyed family gatherings, going on outings, attending concerts, festivals, and especially dining out. Although he never had a son, he found joy in welcoming his son-in-laws Otis and Ell into the family. His grandchildren meant the world to him, and he had an unique relationship with his granddaughter, whom he affectionately called "Ms. Chantell." Above all, his greatest love was his wife Lillian; they were married 60 years.
A man of deep faith, McLovely was a dedicated servant of Christ and a devoted member of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church for 59 years. Over the decades, he served in many roles, from assisting with the church's upkeep to serving as a Trustee, singing in the Mass Choir and Male Chorus, and played a key role in contributing to the Kitchen Committee. He was especially known for his delicious fried chicken and signature chicken and dressing.
Through his parents McLovely embodied the values of hard work, perseverance, and service to others- principles that defined his life and legacy. His generosity extended far beyond his immediate family; he spent years as a caregiver for the elderly and was always ready to support and uplift those around him.
McLovely Brown's legacy is one of love, service, and unwavering devotion to God, family, and community. His presence and especially comical remarks will dearly be missed, but his impact will be forever cherished. May his memory inspire us all to live with the same sense of humor, resilience, compassion, generosity and love for God and Family that defined his life.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with his devoted wife, Lillian (Eichelberger) Brown; daughters Brenda Mitchell and Birdie (Ellester) Brooks; grandchildren Marcus Mitchell, Chantel Mitchell, Ellester Brooks Jr., Ellexis Brooks, and Isaiah Brooks; four great-great-grandchildren; siblings Francis Oliver, Louise Snow, Charles (Pearl) Brown, and Alex Brown; and dear friends Norris and Barbara Brown, Brenda Pritchett, Eugene and Connie Plowden, McArthur Batts, and Kim Lyons. He also had a special bond with his nieces and nephews, making each one feel as if they were his favorite.
McLovely was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Rosa Brown; brothers Otis, George, Billy, Richard, Arthur Jr., Hurley, Henry, and Lewis Brown; sisters Geneva Royster, McNeil Goins, Sally Alexander, and Annie Howard; and son-in-law Otis Mitchell.
Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 7, 2025 at Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, 104 S. 10th St.,
Saginaw, MI 48601. Pastor Roy Manning, Sr. will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery 3210 S. Washington,
Saginaw, MI 48601. Visitation will take place on Thursday at the funeral home 441 N. Jefferson Ave.,
Saginaw, MI 48607 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.