John Milton Issac Brown was born on September 6, 1979, in Chicago, IL. On New Year’s Day, 1980, at only three months old, he moved with the family to his father’s childhood home of Winnsboro, LA. For the next six years, John enjoyed time with family, friends, and the great outdoors, before moving with his family to Atlanta, GA, in 1986. From that moment on, John took on the roles of “curious adventurer” and “protector”, dedicating his time to learning new skills, sharing his knowledge, and preparing for the future. While in high school, John worked at the Original Pancake House, where his boss mentored him, taught him the importance of saving and hard work. He bought his first car, completed high school, and embarked on his college education, all with his focus directed toward his remarkable future.

His distinguished career at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began in 1998 as a summer intern in a role that allowed him to honor the legacy of his late mother, Mari Kathryn Brown (who also served at CDC), and led him to his wife, Chare, who was also an intern that same summer. Over the years, John built his career in the Freedom of Information Act Office, where he supported transparency and public health information sharing. His kindness and professionalism made a lasting impact. Later he brought his expertise to Western Governors University where he led as a project manager, and the University of Arizona Global Campus where he served as an Adjunct Professor.

John’s adventurous spirit led him to pursue every opportunity to explore life. An avid golfer, he also enjoyed boating on Lake Allatoona, where he spent many relaxing days with friends and family. He had a passion for fitness and running, even convincing Chare to join him in training for a half-marathon. This shared experience brought them closer together and demonstrated John's talent for motivating and inspiring those around him.

John, Chare, and their son, Jackson, shared a deep love for travel, embarking on many adventures as a family. From glacier-climbing in Alaska to cliff-diving in Jamaica, they embraced new experiences together. Together, they set a goal to visit all 50 states and celebrated reaching 42 states while creating countless memories along the way.

Like his father, John never met a stranger. All it ever took was two minutes with him to know you were in the presence of light and love. In his free time, as a tribute to his late grandmother Wanda (“Bami”) Jackson, John volunteered at DeKalb County Senior Centers, teaching computer skills to seniors and helping them navigate the digital world. He also turned many “one-off interests” such as beer-making, winemaking, turkey frying, home renovating, and coaching into mastered lifelong skills after only a few injuries and anecdotal lessons learned. Known for his humor and dad jokes (which always made Jackson roll his eyes), patience, and warmth, he was adored by his students and cherished by the entire community.

John was a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend whose spirit touched everyone who knew him. He passed away on October 16, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, adventure, kindness, service, and dedication. He was preceded in death by his father, Archbishop Milton Isaac Brown, and mother, Mari Kathryn Brown. He leaves behind his loving wife of 19 years, Chare Patrice Brown, and his son, Jackson Colt Brown, who were the lights of his life.

John also leaves, to cherish his memory, his siblings and in-laws: Russell (Lydia) Hardin, Lisa (Reginald) Ridley, Anatavia (Christopher) Benson, Amber Brown, and Ashly (Matthew) Benford; his nieces and nephews: Marlon Hardin, Mario Hardin, Myranda Hardin, Trynton Hardin, Tavion Hardin, Doria Sessions, Jerrod (Jackie) Kirby, Nicholas Woods, Damion Smith, Hevin Ridley, Joshua Benson, Gabriael Benson, Kathryn Benson, Corias May, Geila May, Marie Benford, and Melody Benford; his mother-in-law, Priscilla Sanders; his father-in-law, Dr. Jimmie (Lynn) Sanders; his brother-in-law, Jimmie Sanders, Jr; his uncle, Gregg Wade; and a host of cousins, great nieces, great nephews, and friends who will forever carry forward the joy and love he shared.

John will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him. May he rest in peace, knowing he made an indelible mark on the hearts of so many.

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