Albert Lee Brown, age 89, passed away on March 1st, 2023.

Albert “Al” Brown, 90, of Cleveland, OH, passed away suddenly on March 1, 2023. This loss was completely unexpected leaving family and friends shocked and deeply saddened. He will be truly missed in so many ways.

Albert was born in 1933 to Hose and Datie Mae Brown in Tuscaloosa, AL. He was the 8th of 13 siblings. Albert graduated high school in 1951 and relocated a year later in search of better opportunities, initially residing with sister Deotha Jones and her family in Cleveland, OH. Soon after, Albert was drafted into the United States Army where he served two years in Anchorage, Alaska. After being honorably discharged, Albert took up residence in Philadelphia, PA, for several years before returning to Cleveland, OH.

Albert worked hard to provide for his family and give them the life they deserved. As a young adult he worked a variety of positions ranging from a banana split maker at Bob’s Big Boy to a taxicab driver. He always made the best banana splits! Finally, in 1964, Albert landed a position as a technician at General Motors where he was employed for 40 years prior to retiring in 2004.

Albert met his first wife, Delores, after being introduced by mutual friends on a blind date. To their union, Albert’s only child, Shelley, was born in 1971. Albert was married to Delores for 35 years prior to her death in 1998. He adored and supported her in every way possible until her last day. God is good and love soon called again when Albert met and married his second wife, Maxine, in 2000. Like his first wife, Albert and Maxine were also introduced through a mutual friend. Evidence that blind dates can definitely work.

When not working, Albert involved himself in several other activities. Albert enjoyed cultivating his vegetable garden which he took great pride in and loved to show off. Come harvest time, he always had plenty of tomatoes and cucumbers to share. His collard greens, he was less willing to part with. Albert was a member of Quinn Chapel AME where he served as a Trustee, a Steward, and a member of the Men of Quinn Choir. Albert’s favorite pastime, by far, was spending time with his only grandchild, Taraja. Taraja was truly the apple of his eye, and he was very passionate about his role as “Pop-Pop”. Albert spent most of his retirement basking in the joys of having his granddaughter around him.

Albert was a force of nature. Folks were always commenting on how youthful he looked and how well he got around. Although he’d never admit it, Albert especially loved the many compliments he received regarding his full head of black hair. At 90-years-old, Albert was blessed with a level of strength and vitality that defied his chronological age and served as inspiration to all that encountered him. A strong finish to a full life well lived. Albert was predeceased by his parents, Hose and Datie Mae; his former wife, Delores; and siblings Robert, Olener, Elois, Nancy, Isaac, Deotha, Willie, Joseph, Bobbie Mac, and James.

Albert leaves behind his loving wife, Maxine; daughter, Shelley; adoring granddaughter, Taraja; sister, Margaret Cannon; brother, Roy Brown, Sr.; sister-in-law, Marva Bates (Herbert); brothers-in-law Charles Douglas Bates (Arnita), Lewis B. Bates and George Hatcher; a host of nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.