Bill Text: SC H4608 | 2017-2018 | 122nd General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Joe E. Brown
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 78-44)
Status: (Passed) 2018-01-11 - Introduced and adopted [H4608 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2017-H4608-Introduced.html
A HOUSE RESOLUTION
TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE JOE E. BROWN OF RICHLAND COUNTY, TO CELEBRATE HIS LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are deeply saddened by the passing of the Honorable Joe E. Brown of Richland County, former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, on January 7, 2018; and
Whereas, born the son of Prue Ellis and Elouise Grant Brown of Anderson County, Joe E. Brown came into this world on May 24, 1933. In preparation for his life's work, he graduated from Allen University and made Columbia his new home. After earning his master's degree at South Carolina State University, he ultimately completed further postgraduate studies at the University of South Carolina and was the recipient of an honorary doctorate in arts and humanities awarded by Allen University (2001); and
Whereas, over many years of service, Joe Brown found strength for his labors in the strong support of his family: his dear wife, Dorothy Henderson Brown, and their four children. The senior Browns enjoyed a marriage of sixty-two years before Joe's passing; and
Whereas, the young Joe began his career as a teacher at Atlas Road Elementary School in Columbia and was promoted to principal within his first year of teaching. He served thirty years as a principal. In addition to pursuing his career as an educator, he established himself as the owner/manager of Brown's Enterprise, comprised of a bus touring company and several other ventures; and
Whereas, having retired from both education and business, Joe Brown pursued a career in government. He was elected to represent District 73 in the South Carolina House of Representatives, and became the longest-serving black legislator in the House (1986-2006). Further, Joe Brown served as an annexation planner for the City of Columbia, working diligently without pay to have predominantly African-American communities annexed into the city (1987-2009). He would cap off his half century of serving others by returning to Allen University, where he volunteered daily full-time; and
Whereas, this man of faith, an active member of St. John Baptist Church, served there as a deacon and former church auditor; and
Whereas, in recognition of his dedicated service, Dr. Brown was granted various accolades, among them the naming of North Main Street and I-20 as the Joe E. Brown Interchange. He was inducted into the Allen University and Richland County School District One halls of fame and awarded the Order of the Palmetto. An honoree of the BellSouth African-American History Calendar, he also was named Legislator of the Year by several groups. He served on numerous boards and commissions and held life membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and the NAACP; and
Whereas, predeceased by two of his children, Kathy Ann and Joe Ellis Brown, Jr., Dr. Brown leaves to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy his beloved wife, Dorothy; daughters Angela Gay and L'Tanya Gabriel; and a host of other relatives and friends, including his former colleagues in the South Carolina House of Representatives; and
Whereas, Joe Brown will be remembered as a humble public servant and beloved South Carolina statesman, one who will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of the Honorable Joe E. Brown of Richland County, celebrate his life and achievements, and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mrs. Dorothy Brown for the family.
