Service Details

William wanted to remembered as the gregarious, fun-loving individual that made everyone smile and requested to forego funeral services. In lieu of a public service, the family is requesting only prayers be given at this time and any donations be made to the American Heart Association in memory of William. We look forward to reading your thoughts and shared memories on this page as a way to celebrate the life of an outstanding man.

The Story

Dr. William Lee Brown passed away at the age of 69 on Wednesday, January 20, 2016. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Margo A. Brown; three children Tiffany Y. Harris, Karen M. Brown, Christopher W. Brown; and grandson Christopher W. Brown Jr.

William was born to Thomas Jones Brown and Sarah Brown, November 28, 1946 on Edisto Island, South Carolina. He was later sent to stay with his aunt Nellie Brown in Newport, Rhode Island who raised him as a second mother. Upon high school graduation, William went to Santa Fe, New Mexico to the College of Santa Fe where he received his Bachelor's in Political Science. He always had a love of education and would later relocate to Chicago, Illinois to attend law school at John Marshall. While in law school he had a change of heart and decided to pursue a career in teaching and received two Masters Degrees from Governor's State University and a PhD from Clayton University in Education. For more than 30 years, William dedicated his life to working as a teacher for Chicago Public Schools. Although he retired five years ago, he still served as a substitute teacher in his spare time.

An avid lover of card games and reading, William also loved to travel and visit the world. Alongside his wife he extensively traveled through out Europe, Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. He also was a lover of music and would spend hours listening to music from his prized record collection or on the radio. William enjoyed a full life and leaves behind several family members in Chicago, South Carolina, New York, and many more places in the United States. He was preceded in death by both of his mothers, father, and 12 older siblings.

Donations can be made in his memory to the American Heart Association.