Obituary
Obituary of Lindsey Leon Brown
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"Celebrating the Life, Love, and Legacy of
Mr. Lindsey Leon "Lefty" Brown
1950 – 2019
Husband, Father, Brother, Sportsman, Friend
"Life's like a baseball game. You have to take a swing at whatever comes along and swing with all your might; with great conviction." Sharion Lawal
"Life is like a game of baseball; you will never know if you can make the home run unless you swing" Anonymous
Lindsey Leon Brown's first inning began on July 21, 1950 in Cumberland, Virginia when he was born to Willie Gordon, and Aretha Mayo Brown, both of whom preceded him in death. The couple had five sons; Walter, Paul, Barry, Lindsey, and Allen.
When it came to living and loving life, Leon hit hard. He had a zest for life that remained with him until he completed the ninth inning on Sunday, May 19, 2019.
"Life is like a baseball; you will not hit every pitch. Make the most of the ones you do. "Anonymous
Inning two began in Buckingham County Virginia, Public School system, where Leon was educated. He graduated from high school in 1968. During his school years, Lindsey developed a love for being outdoors. From fishing and hunting to playing sports and eventually sharing his cooking skills with loved ones, Lindsey was a true outdoors man and marveled with great anticipation at anything that kept him outside.
"Progress always involves risks. You can't steal second base and keep your foot on first." Anonymous
An adventurer in spirit, Leon's third inning found him migrating to parts unknown and landed him in Jersey City, New Jersey where he joined his brothers Walter, Paul (preceded him in death) and Barry (who preceded him in death). It was in Jersey City, where he took on his first job at Westinghouse Elevator Services, moved into his first apartment, and assumed the first responsibilities of adulthood.
"I have learned that you should not go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. "Mayo Angelou
In 1969 his love for outdoors compelled him to get involved with sports. He's nineteen years old and soaring now, as this exciting time propels him into the fourth inning, where he played centerfield for the "all-Black" Jersey City Eagles Baseball Team. Wearing uniform #13, he was skilled at position and because he was handed, given, given the nickname "Lefty" by his teammates. The young athlete was a valuable player both on and off the field. For example, he played an integral role with the Jersey City Eagles Social Club-the team's main support organization. Lefty helped plan and implement a variety of annual fund-raising activities, formed lifelong friendship with many off his Eagle teammates.
"In Baseball as in Life, all the important things happen at home." Anonymous
Its inning five, and beside being a baseball player during off time, Brown continued working at Westinghouse. This is imperative because on July 23, 1971, he becomes a father when his first child, Michelle Altrovise Brown was born. Parenting was now, the number one priority for the doting father.
"Diamonds are a girl best friend." Carol Channing
Lefty is working by day, bartending at the Junction Lounge at night, and walking on sunshine. It's the sixth inning. In 1973, he attended a social event where he met and was immediately smitten by Gloria Adele Malloy. Rockets soared, stars sparkled, cupid's arrows pierced his heart and Lefty's world would be forever changed. He relentlessly pursued her until she finally consented to date him. After some two years of courtship the couple married on December 26, 1975.
"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." Jackie Robinson
It's the seventh inning, and the newlyweds soon relocate form Jersey City to Sanford, Florida. In Sanford, Lefty would have his second daughter, his name sake, Lindsay Kaliala Brown. Lefty and Gloria lived in several cities including Jersey City, New Jersey, Sanford Florida, and Atlanta Georgia. They chose Richmond, Virginia as their permanent residence. The Browns enjoyed a blissful union that spanned forty-four years. The couple enjoyed entertaining, shopping and exquisite clothing, attending sports events, and participating in family gatherings. His family was the love of his life.
"Good players inspired themselves, great players inspired others. "Anonymous
The eighth inning exemplifies Lefty's passion for life, love, family and friends who became family. Twenty-five years ago, Lefty was befriended by the Peterson extended family. Loved like one of their own. Lefty was present at all Peterson occasion. Out of this connection Lindsey became best friend with Pete (preceded him in death). Both men supported each other and enjoyed sharing life experiences together. Rabbit hunting was one of his favorite pass time.
Lindsey was greatly inspired by sports and nature. Besides baseball and other sports, he especially loved to fish and hunt. Lefty was an active member of the Tri-State Hunting Club. In addition to hunting, fishing was usual for him. A yearly highlight was the annual deep-sea fishing trip he made with his family. Lefty enjoyed gardening. In recent years, if one was to visit his home, they would be blessed with the fruit of his harvest. His love for outdoors had him preparing some of his family's favorite meals. Lefty had awesome barbequing skills. His fried fish had our mouths water in anticipation of the first bite. His unforgettable home-made fried potatoes were often requested. He loved R&B music and dancing. Among his favorite artist were the Temptations and Al Green.
"Don't Cry because it's over, smile because it happened. "Anonymous
There were rare occasions one could catch Lefty without a smile on his face. It's his last inning and Lindsey did a whole lot laughing and enjoying life, doing exactly what he loved. He loved to travel, and even celebrated his sixty-eighth birthday in New Orleans. He loved the time he spent with the Eagles and in 2018, organized the Eagle's first reunion since it disbanded over thirty years ago. He yearned for his man cave and worked with his friends Trent and Jeff on completing it as well as many other contracting projects with Pete Co Construction Inc. He loved his family and did all he could to spend as much time with them as possible. Lefty lit a spark whenever he entered a room. He was full of energy and always the life of the party. His infectious, jovial character touched the lives of many.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Gloria M. Brown; two daughters, Michelle Altrovise Ingram (Curtis) and Lindsay Kaliala Brown (Lynn); two brothers, Walter V. Brown (Mary) and Allen Cleo Brown; two nephews, Walter "Terry" Brown Jr., and Darrell Brown; one niece, Alberta Medina; two grandchildren, Curtis Jordan Ingram and Mia Angela Ingram; two great-grandchildren, Adon J. Wallace and Carter Isa Ingram; a host of other relatives and friends.
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Monday
27
May
Visitation at Funeral Home
12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Monday, May 27, 2019
Marian Gray Thomas Funeral Home
64 Cartersville Road
Cumberland, Virginia, United States
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Tuesday
28
May
Funeral Service
1:00 pm
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Petersville Baptist Church
3330 Petersville Church Road
New Canton, Virginia, United States
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Final Resting Place
Petersville Baptist Church
3330 Petersville Road
New Canton, Virginia, United States
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In Loving Memory
Lindsey Brown
1950 - 2019
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