It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Rodney Vernon Brown.

Rodney Vernon Brown was born in Tallahassee, Florida, February 16, 1978, to Gladys Proctor and Clarence Ferrell. Rodney attended the public schools of Leon County. Rodney’s spiritual growth began at an early age.

He became the Godson of Elder Dr. Ernest Ferrell and Mother Mary R. Ferrell shortly after he was born. Rodney accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized at an early age at Galilee Primitive Baptist Church, Tallahassee, Florida. He reaffirmed his faith while in the hospital through his uncle, Rev. George Proctor, Jr., and brothers Timothy Washington and Rev. Dr. Calvin Washington.
At the age of fourteen, Rodney lost his mother, who requested before her death that Elder Dr. Ernest Ferrell and Mother Mary R. Ferrell become his guardians who was responsible for him during his formative years.

On May 22, 2021, a spiritual union was held by Rodney and Narsha Cummings. Rodney became a successful businessman when he created Hemplade Tea, Hemplade Trail Mix, and other vegan products, which led to him opening his first restaurant, Hemplade Vegan Café, which was located at 707 Old Bainbridge Road, Tallahassee Florida. His passion for developing plant-based products expanded his business to South Florida where plant-based cuisine became the desire of customers throughout Florida. He made mushrooms taste like chicken, ribs, shrimp, and other dishes that customers frequently requested when visiting his food truck wherever it was parked in Florida and sometimes in Atlanta, Georgia.

At the beginning of the year, Rodney became ill and faced serious health challenges, which made him close down his business and move back to Tallahassee. On May 4, 2026, he was called home by his creator.

He leaves to treasure precious memories of his life His “Queen” as he affectionately called her, Narsha Cummings; her son, Sadiki Isaac (Alexis) and granddaughter Safiyah; his brothers, Rev. Dr. Calvin Washington (Carla), Timothy Washington (Tiffany) and Anthony “Tony” Ferrell (Sophia); sisters, Leslie W. Colson, Beverly Ferrell and Shawn Ferrell; uncles, Rev. George Proctor, Jr. (Betty), Tyrone Proctor (Mary), Brady Proctor, Wilbert Ferrell (Audrey), Elder Dr. Ernest Ferrell (Mary), James Ferrell (Eula) and Leroy “Stoney” Ferrell; aunts, Shirley Howard (Whizz), Clara Proctor, Lillie Ferrell Berry and Shirley Ferrell Roberts;

Rodney had one daughter, Semiya Brown, who preceded him in death at age 12. Rodney will also be missed by many other nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends.

Funeral service will be 3:00 P.M. May 16, 2026 at St. Mary P.B. Church #2.
Viewing will be from 12:00 (Noon) to 6:00 P.M. Friday, May 15, 2026 at Strong & Jones Funeral Home.

On behalf of the staff and management of Strong & Jones Funeral Home, Inc., we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Rodney Vernon Brown.