Vernon Charles Brown

Obituary For Vernon Charles Brown

On Thursday, September 18, 2025, Vernon Charles Brown, affectionately known as “Bub,” took his final journey to the heavens, surrounded by the love and warmth of his family. Born on October 31, 1949, in Youngstown, Ohio, he was a son of Herman and Charlie Mae (Woods) Brown, who nurtured his vibrant spirit and kind heart.

A proud graduate of The Rayen School, Vernon enlisted in the United States Navy in 1968, serving his country during the Vietnam Conflict with honor until his discharge in 1972. Returning to Youngstown, he embraced a diverse, varied and yet rewarding career path. Upon retirement, he continued to contribute to society working as an agent for Master Security Company. In this role, it provided him with added joy and companionship as he made countless friends along the way.

Vernon’s zest for life was evident in his love for music, dancing, and sharing stories of the past with friends who were as dear to him as family. Known for his infectious grin and playful nicknames he assigned to others; Bub brightened the lives of all who knew him. A loyal Cleveland Browns fan, he supported his team through thick and thin, embodying the spirit of resilience that defined his life.

Vernon leaves behind a legacy of love that will echo in the hearts of his beloved children Venus (Wesley) Brooks, Durrell Lewis, Alfred Damaris Cooper, and Alethea McMeans; his adoring grandchildren, Jose Lind, Lamar, Nalaya Lind, and Pax Brooks; and his cherished great-granddaughter, Ania.

He is also survived by his dear sister, Herma Ann Barnette; aunt Gerrie Coles of Newark, NJ; former wife, Waretha Brown; and sister-in-law, Deborah Johnson, along with a countless score of family and friends, including Clinton Clark, Dot McClendon, Mack McClendon, and Arthur Cornwell.

Vernon found joy in the Bobby Womack’s signature tune “Harry Hippie,” a melody that reminded him of the journey he traveled, a journey now complete as he rests in the embrace of the Lord.

As Vernon crossed the celestial sands into eternity, his name is written within the ancestral journal which includes his parents and his wife Cindy (Newell) Brown. When we gather to remember Vernon, let us celebrate the life he lived, the joy he spread, and the legacy he leaves behind—a testament to a well-lived life and a soul now at peace.

A celebration of Vernon’s extraordinary life will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Ave, in Youngstown. The family is inviting the community to a public viewing at 10:00 AM, followed by a celebratory service of life at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Linda Hall officiating. Family and friends are welcomed and encouraged to sport the colors of orange & brown in honor of Bub's passion for his beloved Cleveland Browns!

Services will be replete with military naval honors and committal ceremony to honor a man whose laughter, love, and spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those he touched. Vernon voices with triumph the words of Apostle Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith!”-1 Timothy. 4:7

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Vernon Charles Brown elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.