Cornelius Brown Jr.

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Cornelius “Neil” Brown Jr., age 65, of Forest Hill, Maryland passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Born on September 3, 1958, in Detroit, Michigan, to Cornelius Brown Sr. and the late Louise (Gray) Brown, Cornelius was raised in a loving, close-knit family. He graduated from Cass Tech High School and attended the General Motors Institute (GMI), where he received the George C. Marshall Award for ROTC Excellence. He furthered his education at Wayne State University, earning a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, completing ROTC, and being commissioned into the United States Army. Cornelius was dedicated to helping others, tutoring high school students in math and volunteering to repair electrical systems in homes.

Cornelius had a profound impact on those around him through his 22 years of military service and 20 years in the federal government. He was passionate about mentoring young lieutenants, many of whom have risen to the ranks of Captains, Majors, and Lieutenant Colonels. His military career included three tours in Germany, as well as assignments in Korea, San Antonio, TX, and eventually Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. Upon establishing a home in Maryland, Cornelius became an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the St. Ignatius Choir, contributing significantly to his community.

Those who knew Cornelius well remember his love for fishing, grilling, and cooking. He was an avid sports fan, with baseball being his favorite. Cornelius also enjoyed playing chess and dominoes, often engaging friends and family in rousing matches over the years.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Beverly (Bailey) Brown; his children Brannon Brown and his wife Danielle, and Broderick Brown and his wife Albani; his grandchildren Gabrielle, Jayden, and Brooklynne; his father Cornelius Brown, Sr. and his wife Elaine; his siblings Ruby (Brown) Jackson, Kenneth Brown and his wife Tara, and Gregory Brown and wife Cheryl; as well as a multitude of dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

A visitation will be held for Cornelius at the Schimunek Funeral Home of Bel Air, Inc., at 610 W. MacPhail Road, Bel Air, MD 21014 on Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 9, 2024, starting at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ignatius, Hickory Catholic Church, 533 E. Jarrettsville Rd. Forest Hill, Maryland 21050, followed by a private reception at his home. Graveside service at Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Cornelius’ memory to the Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation which is dedicated to supporting every person affected by cutaneous lymphoma at www.clfoundation.org. Condolences, contributions, and cards may also be sent to the Brown Family at 1612 Kiersten Court, Forest Hill, MD 21050.

The Brown Family extends heartfelt gratitude to all those who have provided prayers, care and support, especially our network of families, various nurses, and Gilchrist Hospice Care, Inc.