John O Brown, IV

John O. Brown, IV, affectionately known as "Buster," was born on July 24, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the second oldest child of John O. Brown III and Lillian Brown, who both preceded him in death. 

John had one brother, Maurice Wright (Ella - deceased), and five sisters: Joyce A. Chapman (Robert-deceased), Juanita Glymph (Robert), Lillian J. Middlebrooks (Carl - deceased), Darlene J. Hatcher (LaVelle), and June O. Wiggins (James - deceased). 

John accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church. His faith remained strong, and he maintained a deep spiritual connection throughout his life. 

John attended Cleveland Public School and graduated from John Hay High School in 1960. He then joined the U.S. Army Engineers as a Specialist E-4, serving from 1962 to 1965. His responsibilities included requisitioning supply parts for the school and mechanics with heavy equipment and maintaining records. After receiving an honorable discharge, he worked with the City of Cleveland from 1968 to 1972 in the Housing Department as a Housing Inspector. From 1975 onwards, he was self-employed, managing Piccadilly Circus clothing store with longtime friend Robert Wirts, and later working at Ebensburg State School in Pennsylvania as a Child Care Aide Trainee. While in Pennsylvania, he also engaged in interior decorating, painting, and other handy work. 

John returned to the City of Cleveland in 1988 and worked in the Streets Department as a truck driver until his retirement in 1991. 

In 2012, John reunited with Evelyn Dear-Brown, and they married on October 24, 2012. He was a devoted husband who cherished his wife deeply. John was a loving father with a special, compassionate relationship with each of his children. He was also a kind brother and had a close bond with his brothers-in-law, LaVelle and Robert (Soc), the latter of whom was his best friend. 

John enjoyed discussing and watching sports, playing cards, and shooting pool. His favorite pastime was visiting the racetrack with his brother-in-law Soc and sister June. Among his many friends, Elias K. Williams stood out as a close confidant and prayer partner. John was known for his radiant smile and beautiful hazel-brown eyes. 

John leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with his wife, Evelyn Dear-Brown; his children, John O. Brown V (Marion), Eric Brown (Yolanda), Lori Brown, from first union, Paris Pridgen, LaVonly Brown, twins Linetta and Lillian Brown, from the second union, and bonus children, Kareemah Whiteside, Rosalyn Dear-Todd, Masamusa A. Malik, and Lawrence Dear; his brother Maurice Wright; his five sisters, Joyce Chapman, Juanita Glymph, Lillian Middlebrooks, Darlene J. Hatcher, and June O. Wiggins; 23 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, relatives, and friends. 

A public viewing will be held on June 6, 2025, from 3:00PM to 5:00PM at the House Of Peace Funeral Home, 4105 East 71st Street, Cleveland, OH.  The Celebration of Life Service will be held on June 7, 2025, a 10:00AM Wake and 10:30AM Service at Sanctuary Baptist Church, 4004 East 131st Street, Cleveland, OH.

We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on John's tribute wall.