Byron Keith Brown

Byron Keith Brown, Sr. was born on May 13, 1955, in St. Louis, Missouri. He transitioned to eternity with his Lord on July 9, 2021, in Richardson, Texas. 

Byron graduated from East St. Louis High School in East St. Louis, Illinois. He went on to attend Illinois State University where he majored in Medical Records Administration. In 1977, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and began his career at Medical City Hospital in Dallas, Texas. After working there for 15 years, Byron pursued a career change which led him to enjoy a longtime career in management at American Airlines where he was highly respected by those he managed and by corporate leadership. After 25 years of dedicated service, he retired in 2020 and became a full-time caregiver to his parents. 

At Illinois State University in 1976, Byron met the love of his life, Comfort Denise Hopson. The two married in 1980, and three children were born to their union - Miya R. Brown, Marcus K. Brown, and Monica S. Brown. Byron and Comfort enjoyed a lifetime of happiness. A model husband who loved his wife for 41 years like Christ loves the church, Byron affectionately called his wife, "My Niecy!" Everyone witnessed and knew the love he had towards "His Niecy", and all witnessed her love and dedication for him. They were best friends and “a team” with an exemplary respect, honor, and support of each other which was evident to all who crossed their path.    

Baptized during his college days, Byron was proud to share how his wife influenced his faith in Jesus Christ. He often quoted the scriptures, "Let brotherly love continue" (Hebrews 13:1-6) and "Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord" (I Corinthians 15:58). Byron remained a faithful member of God’s church throughout his life. For 15 years, Byron served as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Hamilton Park. He later joined the body of Christ at North Dallas Community Bible Fellowship where he served for over 25 years until his transition. While Byron was not called to preach the gospel as a preacher, he delighted in working the ministry of service. His empathy and care for others was deeply rooted from the lessons and example of his parents for whom he deeply cared.  

Byron was an encourager with a giving spirit. He was known for sending daily and weekly inspirational texts, and he consistently called to check on his family, friends, and especially the elderly. His generosity will forever impact the lives of many. Even upon his transition, he gifted someone with improved vision through being an organ donor.  Byron’s incredible gift of friendship and thoughtfulness will be fondly remembered and treasured.  

Affectionately regarded as “Papa” by his grandchildren, Byron was a family man like no other. He LOVED his family! He nurtured, encouraged, and led his children and grandchildren by example. His involvement in his grandchildren's lives was remarkably constant and consistent. He attended all school events and made it a point to surprise them from time to time by bringing their favorite fast food for lunch. They traveled together and had many intimate one-on-one conversations. In every aspect of their lives, he challenged them to not only push towards their full potential but, most importantly, to seek God in all their ways and accept Him as Lord and Savior. Byron’s love extended just as deeply to all of his family – aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws – on whom he checked consistently. He had a special relationship with his father-in-law who he loved dearly.

Among many hobbies, Byron loved to travel. With his wife and family, he enjoyed travel to places around the world, including Australia, France, New Zealand, Italy, and China, to name a few. He was also a marathon runner. After he no longer ran, he coached others to run in marathons. He often used a runner’s training to teach life lessons. His personal mantra was “Run your own race!” In the 1980s, Byron launched the Dallas Striders Club, a running club to inspire others towards running and walking. He also organized church health fairs and was an advocate for health and fitness as part of the wholeness for body, mind, and soul. He could also be quite the “cutup” and was known to “pull your leg and talk noise!" 

Those left to cherish precious memories and continue his legacy of service and love include his wife, Comfort Denise Brown; four children - Byron K. Brown, Jr. (Rasheedah), Miya R. Brown, Marcus K. Brown (Ashly), and Monica S. Brown; eight grandchildren - Faith Jones, Jada Jones, Makayla Brown, Madison Brown, Kendall Green, Devin Simms, Rashad Brown, and Bry’Lynn Brown; great-grandson, Quincy White, Jr.; parents, John Lee Brown and Loretta Ora Lee Brown; father-in-law, Pastor Clarence W. Hopson (Lennis); and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Alliance for Greater Works, a 501c3 tax-deductible organization very near and dear to Byron and Comfort and in which they served. Click the donation link below.