Cleveland Brown, the second son of Robert and Mary Lou Brown, was born in Wilmington, North Carolina on August 3, 1935. When Cleveland was three years old, his mother succumbed after a brief illness. He and his two brothers began residence with their grandmother, Carrie Brinkley, who raised the three boys to adulthood.

Attending the public schools of Wilmington, Cleveland graduated with honors. He then enrolled at Fayetteville State College where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree. After teaching several years in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Cleveland decided to pursue his Masters degree at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York. He successfully achieved his Masters in Education and sought employment in Westchester County, New York. Cleveland took a teaching position with the Eastview Intermediate School in White Plains, and soon after took a second position teaching an Adult Education Program at Rochambeau School.

In his Greenburgh Community, Mr. Brown served as President of the Parkway Homes Civic Association. He worked closely with other neighborhood leaders to foster community spirit and cohesiveness. Cleveland, in coordination with others, applied pressure to the Board of Education in an effort to further integrate the professional staffs of the Valhalla School System. He also worked faithfully with the Parkway Homes and Gardens Floral Club to beautify the neighborhood.

Union Baptist Church of Greenburgh became Cleveland’s church of choice. He became producer of an impressive, hardback church annual.

After twenty years at Union Baptist, Cleveland transferred his membership to Convent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem, New York; where he maintained an active membership until his death.

During the Fall of 2015, Cleveland’s health began to decline. He departed this life at 3:15pm on July 13, 2017. He is survived by his wife Joyce, son Barry, daughter Deirdra (John), sister-in-law Helen, and many nieces, nephews and other extended family. He was pre-deceased by son Bertram, two brothers: Robert and Woodrow, and a sister-in-law Pearl.

Our family is grateful to his excellent care-giver, Monique Brathwaite. We also thank the neighbors, friends, and medical supporters who worked with Cleveland and assisted the family through this transition.



The Entire Staff of Lee's Funeral Home, LLC respects that the Brown family entrusted the care of their loved one to us, and that they value the level of service & attention our funeral home provides. We are honored, in turn, to provide comfort, assistance and service to the Brown family during their time of bereavement.

Affiliations

Columbia University
Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville NC