Mr. Duane Brown

Mr. Duane Brown was born in Memphis, Tennessee on October 23, 1969 to James A. Brown and Pearlie (Montgomery) Johnson, the fifth of six children. Duane departed this life peacefully on December 21, 2023 at Covenant Medical Center-Harrison with his love ones at his bedside. As a child, Duane attended New Fellowship Church of God In Christ under the leadership of Superintendent B.E. Price, Sr. Duane graduated from Buena Vista High School in 1988. He was employed for several years at Ponderosa Restaurant and La Senorita Mexican Restaurant. Duane received an Associate Degree from Delta College and a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Northwood University. Prior to becoming disabled, at the age of 18 Duane was “ A Jack of all Trades”. There were very few things in life that he attempted and did not succeed. He was an excellent skater and dancer. He enjoyed wrestling and he was a Black Belt in Karate and Taekwondo. He taught many people Marshall Arts and Hand to Hand Combat. Duane was the epitome of strength, charisma and determination. As a master storyteller and an avid reader, he had a way with words and an intensely creative and resilient spirit. Despite quadriplegia, Duane maintained an optimistic and fearless outlook on life and conquered many of his goals. He became a computer whiz, an entrepreneur, a college graduate, a distinguished author, a great “Dad” and a loyal friend. Duane was a beam of light for all he came in contact with and he was the core for his immediate family. Mr. Brown leaves to celebrate his legacy, two daughters, LaShonte’ (Justin) Lee, Detroit, MI and LaTaija Brown, Huntsville, AL; mother, Pearlie Johnson, Saginaw, MI; grandchildren, Heaven, Willie, Jr. and Justin, Jr.; sisters, Linda (Eugene) Reid, Bridgett (Hubert) Price both of Saginaw, Toni (James) Brooks, Davenport, IA and Leslie (Jody) Nunn, Grand Rapids, MI; brother, Johnathon Brown, Memphis, TN; special nieces and nephews, Ricky, Jermaine, LaShon (Michael) Ford, Keisha, LaTesha, Jerome, Torre, Perez, Jasmine, Taylor, Mykel, Briana, Jada and Sydney; a host of great-nieces and nephews; an aunt, Ernestine Martin; uncle, Leonard (Mildred) Montgomery; special cousin, Andre Martin and a host of other cousins other relatives and friends; god-daughters, Tiara and Diamond Weakley; longtime caregivers, Etta Braddock, Shirley Ware, Victor Amos and Angie Graber. Mr. Brown was preceded in death by his father, James A. Brown; brothers, James D. Brown and Jerome Brown; grandparents, Leonard and Lucille Montgomery, Earl and Minnie Brown; uncle, Clarence Montgomery. The family extends special thanks to Covenant Harrison ICU team and hospital staff for exemplary care; Alonzo Betts and Evans & Browne’s Funeral home staff, Pastor LaFayette Simpson, Pastor Willie Hill, Bishop H.J. Coleman, Jr.,Jerome Brown (nephew) and Andre Martin (cousin). Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607, Bishop Hurley J. Coleman, Jr., presiding. Bishop Melvin J. Smith Esq. will officiate with interment in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 950 N. Center Rd., Saginaw, MI 48638. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m.

Mr. Duane Brown

October 23, 1969 - December 21, 2023