Thomas Brown Jr

Thomas Taylor Brown, Jr. (affectionately referred to as the “Man with the Million Dollar Smile”), was born August 1, 1937 to the union of the late Thomas T. and Margaret P. Brown, Sr. of St. Clair Shores, Michigan. Thomas was the second of three children. His sister, Ida Nell O’Neal and his brother, John Wesley (known as Jackie) Brown, preceded him in death.

Thomas accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at an early age, and was baptized at Vinson Chapel AME Church in Clinton Township, Michigan. Thomas was educated in the St. Clair Shores Public School System and graduated from Lake Shore High School in 1955. He received his Associate’s Degree in Management from Wayne State University, and his Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the Detroit School of Business. Thomas was employed by General Motors for over 20 years. After retiring, he joined his wife in running their family business, Royal Data Inc., until he retired in 2009.

Thomas joined the United States Army in 1956, and was honorably discharged in 1963.
Thomas met his wife, Argia L. Porter in St. Clair Shores in 1954, and was united in holy matrimony in 1957. After relocating to Detroit, three children were born to this union: Donna Maria, Jeffrey Thomas, and Pamela Lané.

Thomas united with Palestine Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, Michgan under the leadership of the late Reverend Dr. Samuel Ward, Jr., where he faithfully served for over 30 years. Thomas sang in the Male Chorus Ministry, served as a Trustee, and in 2005 was ordained as a Deacon, under the pastorate of Reverend Ronald C. Burks.

Thomas was a devoted and loving husband, father, and friend who enjoyed working in his yard, watching and participating in sports, learning and sharing new words, playing all kinds of board games, laughing and sharing jokes, sitting in his basement listening to his vast collection of jazz music, entertaining guests, traveling with his wife and good friends, and most of all serving the Lord. His favorite scriptures were Roman 12: 1-2, Isaiah 53: 3-5, and Psalm 6. His favorite songs were, “Precious Lord” and “How Great Thou Art.”

Thomas fought a good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith until the Lord called him home. Thomas made his transition on Monday, February 14, 2011 at 9:45AM, at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan. Thomas leaves to cherish his loving memories: his beloved wife of 53 years, Argia; two daughters and one son, Donna of Southfield, MI., Jeffrey (Shamesha) of Miamisburg, OH., and Pamela of Belleville, MI.; one sister-in-law, L. Agnes Quiney; one aunt, Lottie Robinson; one niece, Lorraine (William) Smith; one nephew, Walter O’Neal Jr.; godchildren, Kecia Whitney, Brittany Jackson, Deontae Long, Laynaya Austin, and Courtney Jackson; special nieces, Violet (James) Jones and Kimberly (Derek) Vann; and a host of great-grand nieces and nephews. Also mourning this loss is Thomas’ extended family, who were truly regarded as family: grand-godchildren, Brandon Flecther, Avery Fisher-Young, DaMario Sloan, Melaney Sloan; sons, Rev. Lionel (Juanita) Jackson and Bruce (Bridget) Snyder; daughters, Danette (Marvin) Sloan and Ursula Harris; brother, Everett (Consta) King; special friends, Mabel Baylor, Vivian Powell, Hunter Morrison, Alan Morrison, Hosea Clark, and many more.