Obituary of Lester Brown
The Rev. Dr. Lester Brown, age 72, of Joliet, passed away peacefully, Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Lightways Hospice with his loving family by his side.
Lester was born June 24, 1951 in Truman, AR, and came to Illinois with his family at an early age. He received his Bachelor’s degree and his Master of Health Sciences degree from Governors State University, his Pastoral Care Certification from Calvary Institutional Missionary Baptist, and his Doctorate in Biblical Counseling from the Midwest Theological Institute.
Early in his career, he worked from the former GAF and ComEd, prior to serving 27 years as a Juvenile Corrections Officer and Counselor for the Illinois Department of Corrections at its Illinois Youth Center, and as an Adjunct Professor of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Studies at Joliet Junior College. He also relished his role as Pastor of Good Samaritan Ministry of Joliet.
A gifted counselor, community activist, writer and preacher, Lester served in various volunteer capacities and on numerous committees and councils with the American Red Cross, the United Way, the American Corrections Association, Governors State University, the Will County Detention Center, and Joliet Junior College. He taught classes for the Illinois Department of Corrections Training Academy, the AMACHI Training Institute, and the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center, and prepared students to receive their CADC Counseling certifications. Lester was also the recipient of numerous honors and leadership awards for his many years of service.
In addition to being a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, he was an extremely talented chess player, and will be remembered fondly by the many couples and families for whom he performed wedding and funeral ceremonies.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 50 years, Beverly J. (Gavin) Brown; his children, Anthony Brown and Stasha Brown; two grandchildren, Savana Brown and Amir Brown; one brother, Ray (Felicia) Brown; one sister, Scherris (Kelton) Austin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James E. Brown and Priscilla (Lampkin) (Brown) Askia; and his siblings, Lucille (J.C. Hinton) Muwwakkil, Eddie Lee Brown, Maxine (Ervins) Moore, Joseph Louis Brown, Michael Joe Brown and Sherry (Brown) Askia.
Visitation for Lester Brown will be held Friday, March 1, 2024, from 9:00 a.m., until the time of funeral services at 11:00 a.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Interment will follow in Elmhurst Cemetery.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
