Anthony Donnell Brown was born at Swedish Providence Hospital in Seattle, Washington on January 6, 1972 to Loretta M. Thomas and Charles C. Brown. Brown was a true Central District kid. He grew up on the corner of 24th & Marion and attended Madrona Elementary School and Meany Middle School.
He was raised at Mount Zion Baptist Church where he followed behind his dearly beloved Grandmother, Willie Rean Thomas who was a faithful member for over fifty years until her passing in July 2020. He attended Mount Zion Preschool and Junior Achievement where he met his best friend-for-life, La Saundra Wade.
As a young boy, he learned hard work and dedication from Mrs. Thomas. Being a Legendary Seattle Beautician, Brown would assist Mrs. Thomas by folding towels and washing her clients hair.
At 16, Brown was determined to play percussion. He began doing extra chores and gardening to persuade his Grandmother to purchase his first drum set and she did. After practicing to the records of Ray Charles and B. B King for hours in Mrs. Thomas’ basement, he then began playing with the Mount Zion Youth choir.
Brown attended and graduated from Nathan Hale High School, at the age of 18, in 1990.
At the age of 22, Brown’s whole world changed when he and Gina Wilken became proud doting parents to Marcel X. Wilken-Brown. Marcel was everything to Brown and he wanted to be the best father that he could possibly be.
In 1998, “Mr. Brown” assisted Mrs. Phyllis M. Byrdwell in the building of The University of Washington Gospel Choir. He was a faithful and dedicated part of the amazing Ensemble that consisted of Phyllis Byrdwell, Wadie Ervin, Richard Perry, and Ben Hagan. Those in the choir always called him, “Mr. Brown” and he was always there to keep the students on beat, lend a listening ear, and share a funny joke. He played for the UW Gospel Choir until his passing.
Brown was a consistent, silent, protective force at Mount Zion Baptist Church for over 30 years. If you needed security, a sound man, a greeter, anything, he was always willing to jump in and help. He ate, breathed, and gave his everything for his second home. When he wasn’t teaching young people how to play drums, he just was loving on kids. He always said that children were the only ones that really understood him.
Brown was a no nonsense, professional dispatcher for over 30 years. He has worked in all facets of dispatch such as communications, transport of clients and goods. He loved his job and took such pride in his work. He was always willing to assist those in need and adored working with the public.
Brown was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease on November 22, 2016. Ever since then, he became an advocate for patients undergoing the same struggles. Whether it was discussing what snacks and meds to bring to the dialysis chair or just giving advice to those new and confused, he was always a quiet, concerned presence.
Brown was an amazing father figure to all around him. In 2012, he met his Partner-in-Love Angela Burgess, who had three children at the time. He then became Godfather to Angela’s fourth child, Iris E. Price. As time went on, Brown and Angela’s relationship grew and he became Stepfather to Reginald J., Jessica D., and Tahlia A. Price. He loved and supported his children in every way possible. There was nothing that he wouldn’t do for his children.
Brown went on to meet the Lord and his beloved Grandmother, suddenly and peacefully on September 9, 2022.
A Celebration of life will be held on October 8, 2022 at Mount Zion Baptist church, 1634 19th Ave., Seattle, Washington 98122. The Wake will be at 10:00 am, and services will follow at 11:00 am.
A GoFundMe has been set up for Brown at https://gofund.me/1732eb9b.
