How do I put into words the impact this one man had on the lives of so many? Yes, an obituary details the birth and accomplishments of one’s life. But, in the case of Charlie Brown, he was so much more than that! To know Charlie Brown was to know a man who was committed, dedicated and reliable. To his ISU family, Charlie Brown was committed to loving, mentoring, enriching and challenging every African American student who set foot on ISU’s campus. As the Director of the African-American Cultural Center, he gave 35 years to bringing thought-provoking and enlightening programming to the students of ISU and the Terre Haute community. Whether it was through the Ebony Majestic Choir, his weekly ISU Jazz program, numerous speakers/activists/performers, or meals at the Cultural Center, his goal was to uplift and enrich the lives of the students who passed through the doors of the African-American Cultural Center…a place where EVERYONE MATTERED. A testament of the love reciprocated to Charlie Brown was, after his retirement, ISU alumni petitioned the university to rename the center, the name which it now holds, The Charles E. Brown Cultural Center. 

To the community, Charlie Brown committed himself to providing a positive space for community. He created Scotia’s Beauty and Barber Center so the community could have a place to congregate as well as have the products they needed. His goal was to move community members into engagement by registering voters and advancing community concerns.

To his St. Paul Church family, “Deacon Charlie Brown” served as deacon, trustee, Men’s Choir member and unofficial “Kitchen Supervisor.” His love for his church family is evidenced by his 50+ years of faithful service. Having accepted Christ at an early age, Charlie Brown’s love and dedication to Christ was the foundation upon which he built his life and his relationships. 

Charlie Brown had no friends, because to him, everyone was family! Every day, his mission was to let those in his life know they were valued. To be in his presence, to have his ear, was to have a place in his heart. 

As for me, his wife, our children and our grandchildren, there are no words which can express our heartbreak. We are so grateful to have had the selfless love and dedication of Charlie Brown. We are eternally grateful to have had him as a grandfather, a father, and my husband of 46 years.   

On Thursday, December 11, 2025, Charlie Brown answered his Heavenly Father’s call.  Both of Charlie Brown’s parents (Alfred and Joy) preceded him in death. Of the eight children born to Alfred and Joy Brown, Charlie Brown is preceded in death by Chester Brown, Benjamin F. Brown, Sr., Betty Nixon, William Steven Brown, and Patricia “Ann” Mackey. He is also preceded in death by his precious daughter, Channon Leigh Brown. 

Those who will truly miss him dearly: his loving wife, Scotia; son, Charles A. (Amy) of Macedonia, OH; daughter, Camille Wallace of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Gavin and Gracynn Wallace, Charles T. and Nora Brown; siblings, Alfreida (Kenneth) Black and Alfred Brown, Jr.; sister-in-law, Melva Warren; and two special friends, Tommy “Red” Hicks and Fred Draper. A host of nieces and nephews have been deeply touched by the loss of their dear “Uncle Charles.” There are countless students, friends, family, community members and fraternity brothers (Alpha Phi Alpha), who were touched by this AMAZING man’s life. Charlie Brown’s was a life marked by service, integrity and love for others. His joyful, kind, generous and compassionate spirit will be his legacy.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025 at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church located at 1000 South 15th Street, Terre Haute, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Celebration of Life service will be held at the Bayh College of Education (the old lab school), 401 N. 7th Street, Terre Haute, IN, on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at noon ET. Doors will open at 11 a.m. ET. Interment will follow at Grandview Cemetery, and a repast will be held at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1000 S. 15th Street, Terre Haute, IN.

Scotia R. Brown