Forrest Paul Brown

Forrest Paul Brown was born on December 26, 1951 to James and Eleise C. Brown of the Southend Community of Little Rock, Arkansas and was the fifth child and third son. He departed this world on June 29, 2013. Forrest Paul became a member of the St. Mark Baptist Church in 1959, under the leadership of Rev. Lee Calcote, his esteemed uncle. He was baptised and extended the right hand of fellowship to begin working in the church. His church training included Sunday School, Baptist Training Union (BTU), Junior Usher Board and annual Vacation Bible School. Community Vacation Bible Schools included St. Andrew A.M.E. Church and Greater Center Star Baptist Church. In 1963, he became a charter member of Troop #467, Boy Scouts of America, at the church. The William E. Thrasher Boys Club was where he learned sportsmanship. Charles McElroy gave him his first paying job of working in his garage. Forrest graduated from Booker T. Washington Elementary School, Dunbar Junior High School and Horace Mann Senior High School in 1970. Forrest, Dwight Hite, Burnie Mosby and Larry Lowe developed a lifelong friendship and bond starting in elementary school that was stronger than glue. One of the highlights of his high school life was that he played basketball under the legendary Coach Oliver Elders. Sunday, before last, he and Larry Lowe were with Coach Elders at St. Andrew A.M.E. Church. He attended Arkansas A.M.&N. College (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) and Arkansas Baptist College. Burnie and Forrest went to Seattle, Washington to work for Boeing Aircraft in 1974. He married Jolinda Stephens of Seattle and they were together for more than thirty years. Two loving daughters completed the marriage: Heather and Aviva. After the two daughters completed their education and reached adulthood, Forrest and Jo moved to Little Rock, Ark. in 1999. Forrest was the philosophical and political guru in the family. In Seattle, he was a strong voice on behalf of justice both inside the Democratic Party and at the grassroots level. He was a passionate advocate for police accountability and voting rights, often interviewed by the Seattle Times, Post-Intelligencer and local TV stations on the issues. Within the Democratic Party he served in several positions, including Vice President of the 37th District Democrats, Steering Committee for the King County Democrats, delegate to the State Convention many times and member of the district, county and state Platform Committees. Though he often spoke out courageously on African American issues, he was known for his sense of political fairness. In the 1990s Forrest worked for the Clinton/Gore campaigns, serving as the African American Coordinator for Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. As a result he and Jo attended the Inauguration in 1993 and reception at the White House in 1994. He was also the go-to person in the Seattle area for behind-the-scenes tours of the White House. Other accomplishments included interviewing and meeting with the legendary historian John Hope Franklin, working with the Dunbar National Alumni Association (Seattle chapter) and hosting the first campaign fund raiser for Chief Judge Michael Spearman, Division 1, Washington State Appeals Court. In his time on the bench Judge Spearman has handed down a number of courageous decisions on behalf of working and oppressed people. Forrest is survived by many family members who treasured him and his life. Those immediate family members are: Jolinda, Heather (John) Groseclose, and Aviva; two brothers, Horace and Clarence (Dorothy) Brown; and two sisters; Dorris (John) Gardner and Linda Wilson. The second generation included two grandchildren: Corey Burr and Haley Eleise Groseclose; and and a third generation consisting of great-grand children Levi Small and Ella Burr. Four nieces affectionately called him "Uncle Po'": Patrina Robinson, LaShannia Houston Fountain (Bobby), Tiffany Brown, and Camellia Brown Green. Five great-nieces adored him: Christian Brown, Jessica Houston, Olivia Brown, Lauren Brown and Parker Elise Robinson. Six Nephews were in awe of his philosophical thoughts: Michael James Brown (Lauralee), Arthur Houston, Jr. (Demetrice), Preston (Lecia) D. Robinson, III, Clarence Franklin Brown, Jr., Brandon (Samantha) Houston and Gabriel Houston; six great-nephews jumped with glee within his presence: Michael Brown, Jr., Chris Houston, Jayce Houston, Nathaniel Green, Brayton Houston and Bryton "Bubba" Houston. Many friends and associates will cherish their memories of great times, love, laughter, and enjoyment. Funeral Services will be Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Mark Baptist Church, 5722 West 12th Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72212. (501-663-3955). Interment will follow at Haven of Rest Cemetery by Premier Funeral Home, 1518 South Battery Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, (501) 376-4800. A Visitation will precede the services.