Johnnie Brown

Johnnie Brown, 76 and originally from West, MS, passed away February 15 at Select Specialty Hospital in Jackson. Johnnie was born on May 31, 1945, one of fourteen children and son of Homer and Hattie (Atwood) Brown. He grew up in Silas, MS and worked on a farm driving tractors and more. He had a passion for cars, especially Chevrolets. Johnnie saved his money and purchased his first vehicle at age 15. He didn't care much for the newer vehicles through the years, rather he preferred the vintage models he grew up with. Johnnie struck out on his own at age 16. He made his way to Wisconsin where he went to work in a factory first, and eventually went to International Harvester, where he stayed for 37 years. He wound up transferring to another IH plant, which later became Navistar, in Louisville, KY. From there, he transferred to Springfield, OH, finishing out his career there. In his spare time, Johnnie enjoyed gardening, playing checkers with the neighbor, and fixing bicycles for kids and adults. His gardens were usually bountiful, and he would always give away lots of fresh vegetables to neighbors and friends. Johnnie always had his planting seed sent to him from Mississippi, and passers-by would always marvel at the height of his corn. He was a friendly, outgoing man who was willing to help anyone, and will be fondly remembered by all whose life he touched. Johnnie was preceded by Hattie Brown (Mother), Homer Brown (Father), Chadwick Brown (Son), along with twelve of his siblings. Johnnie is survived by his wife, Vanessa Delene Brown; his children: Johnny Brown, Michael Brown, Kinyetta Dukes, and Jonathan Brown, with one sister, Rosie Turner. He leaves a legacy of numerous extended family, grandchildren, and plenty of friends from Wisconsin to Mississippi. Johnnie's final wishes were to be cremated, which his family has honored. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Brown family in their time of need, and asks everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.