Oran Vernell Brown transformed the lives of many young men and in doing so his life was enriched. He was the quintessential husband, father, friend and mentor. He died on Oct. 14. He was 66. 

Brown was born to James A. Brown Sr. and Dorothy Bailey Brown on November 27, 1944 in Philadelphia. At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ at Zion Baptist Church where he later sang in the choir and served as an usher.

Brown was educated within the Philadelphia Public School District and later graduated from Cheyney University in 1967 where he received a B.S. degree in Education. He pursued a career in education with the local school district as an educator and administrator for over 32 years.

He positively touched the lives of the young people with whom he interfaced. Because of his commitment to education, he was later a founding member of the Bensalem Equality Council whose mission was to increase the number of people of color in the Bensalem School District.

In 1970, Brown married the love of his life, Veronica (Ronni) Robinson. From this union, two daughters, Ayanna Brown Lewis and Kai Brown, were born. His family was his pride and joy and a source of his love.

In regards to serving the Lord, Brown was a member of Salem Baptist Church for over 20 years. In 2008, he joined Second Baptist Church of Doylestown where he deepened his faith and commitment to God. He served as a member of the Feeding Ministry, the Scholarship Committee and a member of the trustee board.