Lewis Henry Brown was born June 3, 1921, in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, son of Arthur Winston and Alice Williams Brown. They taught him and his ten siblings that hard work, honesty, integrity, and strong faith in God were everlasting. His parents firmly believed these character traits would propel Lewis through life and keep him respectable and whole. How right they were.
After graduation from high school in Wilkesboro, Lewis was drafted into the US Army and served his World War II tour of duty in England, Italy, and North Africa. Following an honorable discharge in 1945, he relocated to Coatesville, Pennsylvania in 1946 for employment at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital.
He married Dorothy G. Walker of Coatesville in 1947. That union produced the first of five children, a son, Elliott Terrence Walker Brown.
Lewis was transferred to the Daytona, Ohio Veteran’s Administration Hospital in 1949. The family expanded when daughter Myra Jean was born. Dr. Brown’s “old school” family values and his growing family became his constant motivation to earn a better living. He began working another full-time job at Dayton Tire and Rubber company.
Dr. Lewis H. Brown resigned from Dayton Tire and Rubber Company after claiming his GI Bill of Rights and became a full-time student at International Chiropractic College of Dayton in 1951. He completed his course of study in 1955, with his dream of becoming a doctor well within reach. The joy of reaching his goal was short-lived. His eldest son, Terrence suffered a critical illness and was rushed to the Children’s Hospital.
This drastically changed his future, deferred his dreams, and tested his faith. He left college and arranged for an emergency transfer from the VA hospital. He returned to Philadelphia, and the couple gave birth to his baby girl Imani.
The Browns found their new dream home in a quiet neighborhood, with public schools that provided quality education for their children. This priority drove Lewis to work two full-time jobs. He and Dorothy saved every dollar until they were able to fulfill their Mount Airy dream, and they were further blessed with the births of Candace and Tracy.
Raising a strong, solid family with a faith-based foundation has always been a priority for Brown. He always held fast to the character traits of honesty, integrity, and strong faith instilled in him and his siblings from early on.
Brown retired in 1996 after nearly 50 years of US Civil Service and employment in the private sector. During the years that Brown proudly toiled at his jobs, he never forgot the dream of becoming a doctor. Though he had completed his course work in 1955, it would take another 60 years for Brown to receive his degree. His wife Dorothy was instrumental in Dr. Brown achieving his goal. Brown was 94 years old when he graduated and received his Doctorate. His school closed while he was serving in the Armed Services. Dorothy was relentless and focused as she tracked down those records prior to her passing. The Browns had been married for 64 years.
Dr. Brown is healthy and content remaining an “old school” role model in his family, church, and community. He has been a member of Janes Memorial United Methodist Church in Philadelphia for more than 50 years, where he continues to attend services. In addition to their five children, the Browns were blessed with five grandchildren.
Dr. Brown attributes his Christian life’s journey to God’s grace and mercy. I do not doubt Dr. Brown’s faith journey throughout his life, nor about the grace and mercy of God. I would like to add that Dr. Brown is a living testament to the power of the human spirit, an excellent example of what persistence can accomplish. He is a role model for all of us, young and old. We honor Dr. Lewis Brown and salute his accomplishments. Dedicated veteran, dutiful son, faithful husband, caring father, doting grandfather, abiding citizen, and finally a doctor. There are lessons to be learned from our wiser, more experienced citizens like Dr. Brown. He is certainly one of our wiser citizens, and we thank him for his life and service. Happy Birthday Dr. Brown.
