ROLAND C. BROWN, SR. was called home to glory Saturday, February 13, 2010. Roland, the son of the late Alta Brown was born in Elkton, Maryland on March 25, 1935. He was educated in the Cecil County Public School System. On June 20, 1963, Roland was united in Holy Matrimony to Helen E. Williams. Their union was blessed with four children.

Brother Roland worked faithfully all of his life and held several key positions including working at Benny Bellos Fireworks plant to serving as a water works mechanic for the City of Newark for over 25 years, retiring in 2000. During his career, Roland received awards and commendations. After retiring, Roland continued to work for the Laundry Care Center in North East until October 2009.

As an adult, Roland made Jesus Christ his personal savior and turned his life over to The Lord. He was a member of Griffith A.U.M.P. Church in Elkton, Maryland where he was a strong prayer warrior to The Lord and an active member of the Griffith A.U.M.P. Church Male Choir. Roland had a big heart and was filled with the love of Jesus. He was always willing to help others. It was not unusual, seeing him anywhere in Elkton praying for somebody and helping out in any way that he could. He always visited the sick and shut in. He enjoyed the fellowship of many friends and was a member of The Wednesday Men's Breakfast Club. Roland loved to build things, whether it be canes to pulpits to decks, his mastery of carpentry was evident.

Roland loved his family and would sacrifice anything for them.

Roland is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Helen Brown; Sons: Jeffrey Brown (Robbin) & Roland Brown, Jr. (Susan); Daughters: Audrey Brown and Marlyn Brown; Grandchildren: Kassie Coburn, Warren Allison, Jeffrey Brown II, Sherra Allison, Amber Byrd, Robert Brown, Devin Byrd, Koby Brown, Dennis Byrd, Jr., Joseph Sanders, Jaylen Sanders.; Great-Grandchildren: Chloe Brown, Rykiea Laws and Tristan Brown; Brothers: Harry Brown and Theodore Brown (Pearl); Sisters: Signolia Clark and Jeanette Raison and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Alta Brown and Stepfather John Brown; sister, Reverend Geraldine Brown; brothers, Gilbert Barnett, Andrew Barnett; Leo Barnett; John Brown, Jr.; Monroe Brown; and Donald Barnett. Roland will be dearly missed.

Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday February 20, 2010 at Pleasant Hill Worship Center, 32 Hilltop Road, Elkton, MD, where family and friends may call 9-11 a.m. Burial will be in Griffith A.U.M.P. Cemetery, Elkton, MD.

(02/22/10)