Theodis Brown

Theodis Brown, affectionately known as “Papa Smurf”, was born on July 4, 1935, in Decatur County, Georgia, to the late Aretha Moore and James Douglas “J. D.” Brown. Theodis possessed mighty wisdom, but he was a born entertainer. Whenever he entered a room, there would certainly be an abundance of laughter. But please do not forget his serious side; that’s the Theodis you did not want to meet.

On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, in the early morning hours, Theodis gained his wings. As he would always say, “Don’t worry, one day I’ll be with my LORD And SAVIOR”. For all who loved Theodis, we find comfort knowing that he was ready and he is in no more pain.

In his early years, he married the love of his life, the late Bethina Brown. He decided that for a better life and more opportunities he would leave Georgia and move to New Jersey, where his mother lived. While in New Jersey, he worked to achieve the title of “Master Fencer”. In the early 1980's, Theodis moved to Los Angeles, California. There he became the Lead Custodian for the operating rooms at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) until he retired.

Preceding Theodis in death were his sisters Rhunette Thompson (Jimmy), and Addie M. Henry and his brothers Blame Brown (Tommie Lou), James Brown and Larry Brown. Theodis leaves to cherish his memory two sons, Alfred Brown (Darrell) and Gregory Van Brown Sr.; one daughter, Allison Isom Cheadle (late Michael); his grandchildren: Natasha Nicole Brown, Erica Frazier, Terrell Brown, Gregory Brown Jr., Kimberly Brown, Michael Taylor, and Jaelon Taylor; his great grandchildren: Kaden Sargeant, Keiron Sargeant, and Deszia Newman; the baby of the bunch, his great-great granddaughter, Kellaini Sargeant; a special godchild, Pamela Brown; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.