Theodore E. Brown

Brown ~ God granted life to Theodore Emmanuel Brown on August 27, 1931, in Jacksonville, Florida. He transitioned from this life on January 21, 2026.

Theodore carried a quiet strength. He was a man who displayed kindness, integrity and compassion even in the most difficult circumstances. Above all else, he was a survivor. Defying the odds, he persevered to set an example for future generations after living through decades of segregation. He described his journey as “coming up from the dust.”

Theodore’s greatest joy was serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a member of Historic Mount Zion AME Church for several years. Aside from accepting Christ as his personal savior, he said his proudest accomplishment was watching his three grandsons, grow from boys to men, guide their families and chart their own paths. Theodore met his wife, Marion Brown, in 1966, and they shared forty-seven years together in marriage.

Theodore spent well over forty years working in various industries, including serving in the United States Air Force. He also worked in real estate sales and the motor carrier industry. Theodore was one of the founders of the Eastside Brotherhood and served as a member of the Barons (service club). Theodore retired from the Department of Juvenile Justice Duval Detention Center as a Detention Care Worker in the early 2000’s.

He was proceeded in death by his son, Marvin A. Burke, Sr.; parents, William and Ernestine Brown, and ten siblings. Precious memories of Theodore E. Brown will be cherished in the hearts of his wife, Marion Brown; daughter, Cheryl Coffey; daughter-in-law, Barbara Burke; grandchildren, Welton E. Coffey II (Keenya), Keith S. Coffey (Tiffany), Marvin A. Burke II (Linda); great-grandchildren, TeAmber Burke, Tarahje Burke, Kelsey Coffey, Cayla Coffey, Nicholas Burke, Cameron Coffey; siblings, Parphenia Brown, Frances B. Lee; brother-in-law, Bishop Micheal Harvey (Annette); sister-in-law, Frances Kight; several nieces, nephews and god children.

As a lover of music, he reflected on these song lyrics during the final months of his life, “We’ve come this far by faith.” His legacy stands that he came, he saw and he survived leaning on the Lord and trusting in His Holy Word.

Celebration of Life service for Theodore E. Brown will be 11:00AM Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Historic Mt. Zion A M E Church, 201 East Beaver Street. Visitation Friday from 5 – 7:00 PM at The Soutel Chapel. Interment in Jacksonville National Cemetery 11:30 AM Monday, February 2, 2026. Because of the love of his family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904-924-9400

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Theodore E. Brown, please visit our floral store.