Rene O'Hara Brown

About

Brother Rice High School

Rene Brown Obituary

News Death Notice

BROWN, Rene OHara (Bo) was born on August 2, 1953 in Thibodaux, LA. the son of Nathaniel and Pearl (Tucker) Brown. His many talents were established early in life. He had a natural artistic ability, was an eloquent communicator both written and oral, and because of his endearing personality people were drawn to him as to a magnet. In his role as community activist he sponsored basketball camps and clinics to give our youth an outlet other than gangs, drugs, or crime. He was a member of the National Gang Peace Summit and also the Assistant Midwest Regional Director of the Million Man March Rene attended Brother Rice High School on a full basketball scholarship and graduated with honors. Among his many accomplishments he was Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors for "No Dope Express Foundation" an organization founded in 1983 to tackle the prevalence of crime, drugs, and violence. He sponsored two buses making it possible for men from Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Minnesota to attend the march in Washington. For 20 years Rene worked as a criminal investigator and was instrumental in the release of the wrongfully accused and convicted men in the Ford Heights case in Chicago that was nationally publicized. After the tragic death of his father, Rene continued to operate the family convenient store business, South Shore Sales in Chicago for an additional 9 years. Rene always believed in God and rededicated his life to Him at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in 2006. He was a wonderful father, a wonderful brother and you could not find a better friend. His bright and magnanimous spirit left us all too soon on January 6, 2011. We are left however with precious memories of his sparkling personality that reached out and touched so many. Rene leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Sydney Brown (Chicago, Illinois), son, Nathaniel Brown (Chicago, Illinois), the mother of their children, Jacquelyne Walker, Chicago; sisters, Dedria (Norman) Moore, Springfield, Ohio, Lisa Diaz, Chicago, Pamela (Lionel) Crawford, Jackson Mississippi; only surviving uncle, John L. (Patricia) Tucker, Gray, Louisiana nephew, Robert L. Tyson, Chicago; Niece, Dana Diaz ,Chicago; special friend, Jennifer King, Springfield, Ohio, Deacon Fred & Deaconess Veatrice Smith, Springfield, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nathaniel T. and Pearl (Tucker) Brown, grandparents, and a host of aunts of uncles. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m.-12 noon in St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Mulberry St. entrance. Funeral services will follow at 12 noon in the church. Arrangements provided by the Robert C. Henry Funeral Home.

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Published by Springfield News-Sun from Jan. 12 to Jan. 14, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Rene Brown

8 Entries

Rickey Jones

April 8, 2024

Just learned of my dear brother Renee passing. Was searching for him on the net. Hadn't seen him in years and was thinking about him. We met as students at SIU years ago. I was so impressed with his intellect, character and endearing personality. He always encouraging and motivating. I am so saddened to hear of his passing. My sincerest Condolences to the family. God Bless.

curtis young

January 15, 2011

the family of curtis and wallace young sent there condolences to the brown fly

Debbie Mefford

January 14, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss.I am keeping you and your family in my prayers.

Ms. Hope

January 14, 2011

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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