Gerald “Jerry” H. Brown, age 82, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 10, 2020 at Christian Park Healthcare Center.
Jerry was born January 14, 1938, in Detroit Michigan, the son of Howard and Mary (Solarski) Brown. Jerry was raised in Detroit where he graduated from John J. Pershing High School. He later went on to college at Macomb Community College and Wayne State University. While at Wayne State, Jerry played basketball until he enlisted into the United States Army until he was honorably discharged.
On April 23, 1960, Jerry married the love of his life, Joanne Catherine (Barry) Brown. Together, they shared 60 memorable years. Jerry was a decorated police officer, serving for the Detroit Police Department for five years, before serving for 25 years at the Warren Police Department, from which he retired. Jerry was an avid reader, enjoyed old movies and loved doing a good crossword puzzle. His love of music was a constant staple in his life – Jazz, Big Band and of course Motown. When the occasion presented itself, he relished dancing with his dear wife. Jerry was fond of traveling around the state exploring the rural areas with Joanne and family. In retirement he enjoyed puttering about their yard and doing home projects / honey-do-list – what he would not do for Joanne. He was born with a hard work ethic, a strong sense of right and wrong and devotion to family. Jerry may have not shown it but had a deep faith in Christ that was introduced by his mother and continued to be reaffirmed by his wife.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife Joanne Brown, sons Mark (Lori) Brown of Minnetonka, MN, and David (Linda) Brown of Cumming, GA, daughters Melissa Brown and Kristyn Brown both of Gladstone, Karen Kluck of Sterling Heights, and Nicole Brown of Clinton Township, brother Patrick (Andee) Brown of Huntington Woods, sisters Dorothy Deschaine of Sterling Heights, Rosemary (Robert) Hardesty of Gautier, MS, and Margaret Janiszewski of Centerline, MI. Jerry is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jerry’s family will receive friends on Friday, October 16, 2020 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. The Gladstone American Legion will present military honors following visiting hours, with funeral services to follow at 3:15 with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski. Jerry will be laid to rest in Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. The wearing of an appropriate mask and social distancing practices is appreciated. For those who wish to attend virtually, please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82024544072.
Kathy maynard - Gladstone, MI
thoughts and prayers being sent to you all. God Bless.
Colleen Reynolds - Richland, MI
Uncle Jerry
I will miss your smiles and your love of sweets. You never put on any weight no matter what you ate. We will miss you and know that you are in a better place. Love you Colleen
JoAnn Peippo - Escanaba, MI
Joanne and family, please accept my condolences. I will remember you all in my prayers.
Margaret Janiszewski - Macomb Centerline, MI
Am going to miss my brother jerry he was a good brother to me. Rip
Noelle Graalman - Gulfport , MS
I’ll always remember Uncle Jerry every time I watch the weather channel. Every time we would visit or if he came to visit us, he always had the weather channel on.
We’re sending you love and prayers! I know how difficult this is for all of you and just know we’re here if you ever need anything.
Mike Zemke - Escanaba, MI
Joanne,
Patricia Hoover Weslock and I both offer our sincere condolences on your loss. You and Jerry will be in our prayers. May God bless you.
Kelly Cox - Sterling Heights, MI
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May your memories bring smiles during this difficult time. Love & hugs to each of you. ❤
William D. Smith - Cheyboygan, MI
Prayers for Joanne and family. Your with God now Jerry.
Carla Laraway - Tucson, AZ
Oh my goodness, Bad Bad Leroy Brown!
The antics of your WPD days astound me to this day. Jim always said, ‘ You ALL would be fired, if you were PO’s today.
We really had good fun. Thank God Joanne was able to keep you MOSTLY in check.
Jim and myself enjoyed our visits with you, Joanne, and the girls up in Gladstone.
Tell Jim IF you see him that I love and miss him. He’s still My Favorite Cop!
Thoughts and prayers are with you, Joanne as well as your family.
RIP Jerry and my Jim. BEHAVE
Mary Jo Paquet - Troy / Mackinaw City, Mi
My condolences Mrs. Brown and to the rest of the family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️
Linda Beaton - Warren, MI
My sincerest condolences to you and your family Joanne. Jerry was such a character. I always remember that dry sense of humor. He will be missed.
Al Rumball - Algonac, Mi
RIP Brother Brown. Was great working with you and to know you.
Albert Tessman - St Clair Shores, MI
RIP Jerry Condolences to your Family..
Jim clark - Fraser, Mi
Joanne, so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of the old days of working with Jerry on the old shift.He was always kind to me as a rookie officer and I will always remember him.
David and Marlene oleary - Macomb, Mi
Sorry to hear about your loss.We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.