Mr. Dan Brown Jr., a longtime Brookhaven educator and community leader, expired on Friday morning, June 7, 2013. Beloved by the Brookhaven community, Mr. Brown was a man of wisdom whose life philosophy was justice for all mankind.

A native Brookhavenite, Mr. Brown received his formative education in the Brookhaven Public School District, where he was an outstanding student and athlete. He graduated from Alexander High School in 1959. Mr. Brown matriculated and received a bachelor’s degree from Jackson State College (presently Jackson State University) in Jackson and a master’s degree from Delta State University in Cleveland.

As a professional educator, Mr. Brown began his career in the Amite County School District. He later accepted a position with the Indianola School District as assistant principal of Gentry High School. His educational mission was devoted to improving the betterment of young individuals. Always having a desire to return home and contribute to his hometown and community, Mr. Brown was tapped and accepted the call in 1982 to return to his high school alma mater as principal, presently Alexander Junior High School. Never one to raise his voice, yet speaking with authority and compassion that both students and staff revered. After many years of faithful and endearing service, Mr. Brown retired in 1994.

As a devout Christian, Mr. Brown was a faithful member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Brookhaven, where he was involved in various organizations. As a church administrator, he was a significant component in the procurement of St. James’ present site and all campus improvements and additions. As a deacon, he led the Deacon Board Ministry through his teaching and spreading of God’s Word. In addition, he served as Sunday school superintendent for many years. Most recently, Mr. Brown was honored by the congregation of St. James via the implementation of the Dan Brown Jr. Award for outstanding service in the congregation.

As a community leader, Mr. Brown served on various boards and leadership committees. He was a member of the Brookhaven School Board, serving as president for several years. He was also a charter member of Reaching Out To Another Person (ROTAP), an organization of Christian-minded men serving as mentors to young males. Mr. Brown was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Mr. Brown was the recipient of numerous awards and honors, most recently, the O Foundation’s 2012 VIP Award for Citizen of the Year.

Mr. Dan Brown Jr. was the son of the late Dan Brown Sr. and Lillian Brown. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 49 years, Ivey Spates Brown; one son, Dan Brown III (Monena); two grandchildren, Courtney Brown and Dan Brown IV; one godchild, Wilbert Spates; and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services are 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12, at St. James M.B. Church, with burial in Hillcrest Cemetery. R.E. Tyler Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation is Tuesday from noon until 8 p.m. at the funeral home, with the family present from 7 until 8.

Mr. Brown, 72, died at St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital in Jackson. He was born on Aug. 31, 1940.