Tahlil Jamal Brown

Introduction
With heavy hearts, we share the profound loss of our beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend, and student, Tahlil Jamal Brown. He was born on January 16, 2007, and sadly passed away on March 27, 2025 at 18 years old.
Early Life
Tahlil was born in Hudson, New York, at Columbia Memorial Hospital. He was the beloved son
of Toajack Brown and Brooke Ingraham and was raised in a nurturing environment filled with
love and encouragement. From an early age, Tahlil displayed an inquisitive and intuitive nature,
quickly excelling beyond his years.
By the time he was in pre-K, Tahlil had already mastered writing his name, multiplying double
digits, and writing in cursive. His remarkable abilities astonished his teachers, as he
demonstrated skills that surpassed those of students several grades ahead of him. Recognizing
his potential, he was provided with additional learning resources that allowed him to flourish
academically.
His early education included homeschooling up until the fourth grade, ensuring he received the
best academic foundation. Later, he transitioned into formal schooling, attending South Middle
School, Newburgh Free Academy, Eldred Junior-Senior High School, and Wallenpaupack High
School, where he continued to impress educators with his intelligence and enthusiasm for
learning. Throughout his academic journey, he further showcased his exceptional abilities and
dedication to learning.
Career & Achievements
Despite his young age, Tahlil was an accomplished and promising individual. His natural
curiosity and intelligence positioned him as a bright star with a future full of potential. He was
dedicated to academic excellence and was known for his ability to grasp complex concepts
quickly. His early mastery of mathematics and language arts set him apart as a gifted learner.
Throughout his academic career, Tahlil was recognized for his outstanding achievements. He
earned four Certificates of Achievement for outstanding effort at South Middle School during the
2020-2021 school year. In June 2021, he was awarded a Certificate of Completion. On June 21,
2021, he received a National Junior Honor Society certificate, recognizing his excellence in
scholarship, service, leadership, and character.
As he advanced in his education, Tahlil continued to shine. He made the National Honor Society
throughout his academic career and earned seven Certificates of Achievement for Honor Roll at
Eldred Junior/Senior High School. On June 4, 2024, he was selected as a member of the
National Honor Society at Eldred Junior/Senior High School, again recognized for his
scholarship, service, leadership, and character. On December 11, 2023, Tahlil successfully
completed the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test, qualifying him to
become a member of the United States Navy, a path he had planned to pursue after his
graduation in June 2025.
Personal Life & Interests
Tahlil was not only a brilliant student but also a well-rounded young man with a passion for life.
He was an avid lover of sports, especially basketball, where his competitive spirit and drive to
win shined on and off the court. His artistic side flourished through his love for the arts, and he
found joy in expressing himself creatively. He often journaled his thoughts and feelings, using
writing as a means of self-expression. A dedicated reader, he could often be found immersed in
books, expanding his knowledge and imagination. Video games and any kind of strategic or
competitive games excited him, as he thrived on challenges and the thrill of competition. Tahlil
also had a deep appreciation for movies, often analyzing storylines and cinematography with a
keen eye. A true food connoisseur, he enjoyed exploring different cuisines and savoring new
flavors.
Tahlil had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh hard and out loud, especially when
spending time with family and friends. While he might have seemed quiet at first glance, he was
a natural jokester at heart, always ready to bring joy and laughter to those around him. Fun and
vibrant, he thrived on playfulness and connection. He was highly social, often observing the
room before fully engaging, but once he did, his warmth and charisma made him unforgettable.
Beyond his playful nature, Tahlil was deeply respectful and possessed exceptional social
etiquette. He carried himself with grace, embodying the qualities of a true
gentleman-chivalrous, courteous, and always mindful of those around him, whether men,
women, or children. His presence was magnetic, and his kindness left an impression on
everyone he encountered.
At the age of 13, Tahlil was introduced to God and developed a deep connection to his faith. He spent time in prayer and worship, embracing the teachings of Jesus Christ and subscribing to the Seventh-day Adventist faith. By the age of 18, his commitment to his beliefs had grown even stronger. On Saturday, March 8, 2025, Tahlil made the heartfelt decision to be baptized, expressing that he had come to the conclusion that "the way of the Lord is the right way to go." His baptism was scheduled for May 31, 2025, a moment he greatly anticipated as a testament to his unwavering faith.
His energy, enthusiasm, and love for life left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him
Family
Tahlil is survived by his father, Toajack Brown, his mother, Brooke Ingraham, and his beloved
siblings: Paris Myrick, Keosha Brown, Lexus Ingraham, Sophia Ingraham, Mahogany Ingraham,
Jihad Otts, and Jayceon Brown. He is also survived by a large and loving extended family, including numerous
uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, teachers, educators, and his church community, all of whom will
continue to honor his memory. His family, who cherished him deeply, will hold his memory close
forever, finding comfort in the love and joy he brought into their lives.
Legacy
Tahlil Brown's achievements and impact on those who knew him will be his enduring legacy. His
brilliance, dedication, and love for learning inspired those around him, leaving an unforgettable
mark on his family and community. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the
privilege of knowing him.