Merchant Henry Brown, Jr. was born to the union of Merchant Brown And Winnie Roane on August 7, 1925, in King William, Virginia. He was the youngest child and only boy.
As a child, Merchant attended school in King William, Virginia. He attended King William High School for two to three years and then began working on his family’s farm as this was customary during this time. Merchant and his family attended the Third Union Baptist Church where he was also baptized as a child.
In 1943, just two days after his 18th birthday, Merchant enlisted in the United States Navy. He served two years, six months, and 21 days in the United States Navy.
Merchant’s time in the military led him to the city of Chicago. In 1945, he met the lovely Olivia Vernoy and married her on June 5th, 1945 in Waukegan, Illinois. The Browns had two sons and four daughters. They raised their children in Chicago, Illinois before moving to Maywood, Illinois.
Merchant was an amazing provider for his family, he drove for Fritz Carrier and Checker Cab Company. Merchant worked as a courier for Puralator Inc. for over 20 years before retiring and moving to his home in Pullman, Michigan.
Merchant was a member of the Rooster Channel Jumpers CB Club where his handle was Turningpoint. He was also an avid fisherman and prior to retiring could be found traveling in his RV with a boat in tow to one of his many fishing spots across the Midwest. Merchant was a skilled handyman – repairing lawnmowers, cars, and appliances.
Merchant passed away peacefully on October 7, 2022, at his home in Pullman, Michigan with his daughters and other family members by his side.
Merchant leaves to carry on his legacy: three daughters, Judy Brown of Wheaton, Illinois, Diane Fareed of Lithonia, Georgia, and Brenda Long of Pullman, Michigan, 19 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of other family and close friends including William King. Merchant was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his sisters, Dinah Washington and Theresa Jeffries; two sons, Meredith Brown and Merchant Brown, III; and one daughter, Tandalaya Brown.
There will be a funeral service on October 22, 2022, at Chappell Funeral Home from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm with an hour of public visitation beforehand. Immediately after the service, internment will be at Lee Cemetery with Military Honors.
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