With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Fred Brown Jr, 78, husband of Theda Mizelle, who passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

Life Reflections

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

— 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)

Mr. Fred Brown, Jr., affectionately known as "Downtown Freddie Brown" and lovingly called "Big Nigga" by those closest to him, peacefully passed away on the evening of April 22, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Fred was born February 16, 1948, in the Spring Gully community of Andrews, South Carolina, to the late Fred Brown, Sr. and Lula Brockington-Brown. He was educated in Williamsburg County Schools, where he attended Blakeley High School and proudly played on the winning Blakeley Eagles football team. As a young man, he became a member of Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist Church, and throughout his life, he cherished returning home to Spring Gully to reconnect with his former teammates and classmates.

Fred was known for his warm and outgoing personality—he truly never met a stranger. He had a deep love for traveling, singing gospel music, cooking hogs, and being the life of any gathering. His presence brought joy and laughter wherever he went.

In 1970, Fred relocated to Rochester, New York, where he built a life surrounded by family and friends. While there, he became a member of Antioch Lodge #2 and worked for many years as a respected leader in the community. He retired from Monroe County as a maintenance engineer. A true jack of all trades, Fred's talents included hairdressing, plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, and even serving as a bouncer.

In 2004, desiring to be closer to his father and siblings, Fred returned home to Kingstree, South Carolina, settling in Hell-Half Acre on his father's ancestral property. He became a devoted member of Laurel Swamp Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Olin Dukes.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Brown, Sr. and Lula Brown; his wife, Willie Mae Brown; and three siblings, Bill Mitchum, James Dukes, and Lula Mae Whitfield. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted partner of 31 years, Theda Mizelle and a large, loving family. His children include, Jermaine (Sabrina) Thacker, Charmain (Alfred) Seaman, Laquanda (Randy) George, Becky Ann Wilson, Leroy Hannah, Raymond Brown, and Markell Brown all of Rochester, New York, along with Fred J. Brown of Wisconsin, Melody (Osborn) Bromfield of Atlanta, GA, Christine (Jimmie) Hightower of Rochester, NY, Sabrina (Lionel) Lee of Tampa, FL, Romaude Mizelle of Boulder, CO and Shahaamah (Jamie) Morris of Kingstree, SC. He is also survived by 32 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. Fred is further survived by his siblings, Doris Ann Cooper of Philadelphia, PA, Mary Lee Brown of Trio, SC, Jeanette (Johnnie) McClary of Columbia, SC, Bobbie Jean McClary of Andrews, SC, Hester Evans-Gasque of Trio, SC, Raydell (Edward) McCrea of Salters, SC, Vivian (Willie) Williams of Columbia, SC, Alfred Brown of Rochester, NY and Shirley (Emory) Boyd of Darlington, SC. He also leaves behind a nephew and two nieces who were raised as siblings, John (Marie) Brown of Kingstree, SC, Angela McClary-Fred of Andrews, SC and Nicole Brown of Salters. SC; his paternal aunt, Meredith Brown-Gadsen of Walterboro, SC; and many brothers and sisters-in-law including, Hubert Sanford, Marsha Brock, Althea Lane, Sylvia Johnson, Gerald Johnson, and Joel Johnson. Fred will be deeply missed by his extended family, cherished friends, fellow gospel quartet members, and classmates. His legacy of love, laughter, and connection will live on in all who knew him.

The family is receiving friends and family at 349 Turkey Lane, Kingstree, SC beginning on Thursday, April 30, 2026

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Kingstree, SC. 843-354-2292.