[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 134 (Friday, July 30, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E864]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO MR. THEODORE BROWN CELEBRATING HIS 95TH BIRTHDAY

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                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 30, 2021

  Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a veteran 
and patriarch of a large, extended family who has been blessed with a 
long life and a deep faith. Theodore Roosevelt Brown, Sr. turns 95 on 
August 12, 2021, and I join with his family and friends in celebrating 
this significant milestone.
  Theodore Brown was born in Noel, Virginia, to the late Floyd and 
Nannie Brown. His mother was known for her famous rolls and his father 
dedicated much of his life to working at DuPont and as a minister. His 
sister Mary was born on his second birthday and the two grew up as 
close as twins.
  Early on, Theodore learned the value of hard work and education. As a 
child, he walked more than a mile to attend Hanover Public School. One 
of his proudest moments was earning second-place in the county's 
spelling bee. While still in school, Theodore's family moved to 
Richmond, where he attended Armstrong High School and participated in 
the R.O.T.C. and the school band.
  In his senior year, Theodore enlisted in the U.S. Army as the country 
was embroiled in World War II. He received his basic training at Fort 
Lee, Virginia and technical training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He would 
later be deployed to Oakland Army Base in California and assigned to 
the U.S. Army Signal Corp. During his deployments, he installed 
telephone cables in the South Pacific, traveling across the world to 
Leyte, Guam, Manila, and Spain, before returning to the United States 
and receiving an honorable discharge on December 22, 1946. Theodore 
spent another three years in the Army Reserves.
  Like so many in his generation, Theodore faced discrimination when he 
returned home. He applied for work at Virginia Power Electric Company 
but was rejected due to his race. Subsequently, he took a seasonal job 
with Phillip Morris Inc. He then spent 20 years as a cabinet installer 
with the Custom Kitchen Company. Seeking better pay and benefits, 
Theodore switched careers and became a paint mechanic for Richmond 
Public Schools, from which he retired after twenty years of service. 
Soon after he retired, Theodore embarked on a new journey as an 
entrepreneur, opening a very successful janitorial and maintenance 
business that he ran for sixteen years.
  Faith is a pillar of Theodore's long life. Since being baptized at 
ten years old, he has been active in the church. A talented singer, he 
sang with the Notes of Harmony Quartet Group for thirty years. During 
his time in Richmond, Virginia, Theodore was a member of Asbury United 
Methodist Church, where he served as President of the United Methodist 
Men organization, the Chair of the Board of Trustees, and a Class 
Leader.
  In 2016, he and his wife moved to South Carolina and joined St. John 
United Methodist Church, where he holds the distinction as father of 
the church. Not only does he sing in the church choir; he is also a 
member of the Florence District United Methodist Choir, which travels 
to many churches and nursing homes to perform.
  Theodore is the father of nine, and the stepfather of four. He is 
happily married to his second wife, Albertine, and enjoys spending time 
with his extended family. In addition to singing, his hobbies include 
fishing, playing horseshoes, card games, reading, and traveling.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in 
celebrating the ninety-fifth birthday of Theodore Roosevelt Brown, Sr. 
Those who know him best describe him as a strong, honest, 
compassionate, and dependable man with a great sense of humor and an 
abundance of love for others. May he continue to be a blessing to all 
that are fortunate to know and love him.

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