Samuel Lawrence Brown-Cockrell

Samuel Lawrence Brown-Cockrell was born August 27, 1942 in Tiff, Missouri to the late John Thomas Franklin Brown and Carrie Alberta Brown-Luster. Sam was the 9th of 10 children. All of his siblings were preceded him in death. His siblings were Harrison, Howard, Mozelle, Mary Eunice, Franklin, Jeanette, Alberta, and Leona. Samuel and his family moved to St. Louis, Missouri.

Samuel was educated in the Saint Louis Public Schools system.

Samuel L. Brown and Barbara J. Stanback met at Soldan High School and were married on June 3, 1963. After Samuel enlisted into the Army, he sent for his wife and they resided in Munich, Germany.

During his military career, Samuel was stationed in Germany, Vietnam, and Korea. Traveling the work was important to him and he served his country with pride.

Many were not aware that Samuel was talented in many ways. While enlisted, he was introduced to boxing. “TKO’S” were frequent in his boxing career and he won many matches against his opponents. He also enjoyed painting murals, and was an extremely gifted painter. Samuel was an undiscovered comedian. His candid comments and observations would entertain even this unfamiliar to him. We were all envious of his ability to turn everyday life struggle into laughter.

He leaves to cherish his memory; his children Darryl, Valanda (Derond), Michael and Marnette (James); his grandchildren, Eryn, Ashlie, James Jr., Sydney, Kross, Joshua, and Caleb; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.