Robert Willie Brown, Sr.

Robert Willie Brown Sr. transitioned from labor to reward on March 12, 2026. Born in Rosharon, Texas, on September 17, 1934, to Jerome Brown Sr. and Dora Lee Glover, Robert was a quiet and sensitive child who was also a protector of his family. Alongside his brothers Joe and Melvin—whom their father affectionately called "The Three Musketeers"—Robert was always the first to come to his brothers' aid, a testament to the family loyalty he carried throughout his life.

In 1953, Robert married Dollie Franklin, and the couple moved to Portland in 1958. Together they welcomed four children: Robie, Lawrence, Robert Jr., and Perry. Robert was a man of immense discipline, working for many years as a longshoreman with FMC Corporation and Gunderson Brothers. He took great pride in his work ethic and ensured that same value was instilled in his children.

Beyond his professional life, Robert ‘Sonny’ Brown was a fierce athlete. Shortly after arriving in Portland, he began training at the Knott Street Gym (now the Matt Dishman Center). He quickly rose through the ranks, transitioning from a Golden Gloves standout to a professional prize fighter.

Robert found peace in the outdoors. His oldest children fondly remember him hunting jackrabbits and teaching the kids the skill of skinning them. These trips often resulted in meals of fried or baked rabbit—which the kids insists tasted "just like chicken."

In 1977, Robert wed Leeorteen “Denise” Black. Together, they shared a heart for service, raising seven children and operating a thriving childcare business. Their compassion extended into the community through the ownership and operation of two adult care homes in Gresham, Oregon.

Robert’s soul was fed by music. He loved spinning his vinyl records across all genres, though his heart belonged to the gospel sounds of Lee Williams. He also had a legendary sense of humor; he could make the entire room erupt in laughter even when he was being completely serious.

Every Wednesday was a "holiday" for Robert—it was the day he went thrift shopping mostly at Goodwill with Bobby. He never called it by its full name, though; to Robert, it was always just "G.W." (Goodwill).

Robert loved his family immensely, but above all his accomplishments, Robert loved the Lord. He spent his time reading the Bible, praying, and sharing the goodness of God with others. 

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome Brown Sr. and Dora Lee Glover; his wife, Leeorteen Denise Brown; his son, James Edward Brown; his grandson Armani Jerome Tyrese Brown; his brothers, Joe Brown, Jerome Brown Jr., Bobby Sasser, and Clarence Brown; and his sister, Jessie Brown.

Robert is survived by brothers Melvin Brown, and Romie Brown; sisters Jackie Sasser, Suzie Brown, and Cynthia Brown-Stewart (Donald), and sister-in-law Gail Black.  Robert is also survived by children: Robie Brown, Lawrence Brown, Robert “Tootsie” Brown Jr. (Leona), Perry Brown (Joy), Robert “Bobby” Brown III (Michelle), Sandra Brown, William Walters (Kandra), Rachael Walters, Kaliyah Frank (Andrew), Robert “Bbob” Brown IV, and Rachael Brown. His memory will also be cherished by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. 

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