Obituary of Jackie Neil Brown, Jr

J. Neil Brown, Jr., 46, of Suwanee, GA, formerly of Albertville, took his last breath at Shepherd’s Cove Hospice on Saturday April 7^th, 2018 surrounded by family and friends.  

Neil was born on November 12, 1971 in Omaha, Nebraska.  He spent his younger years in Columbus, Nebraska and Chesapeake, Virginia. He began school in Virginia at the age of 4 years, insisting to ride the bus to school the first day.  His family moved to Albertville, Alabama in 1978.  His education continued and was placed into the gifted program.  He loved scouting and the outdoors. Neil earned the rank of Eagle Scout, of which he was especially proud.  After high school graduation, he joined the Army and served in the infantry for four years, achieving National Defense Service Medal, Sharpshooter Badge, and Expert Infantry Badge amongst others.

Neil married Vanessa Elrod in 1994 and had two beautiful daughters.  In 2000, they moved to Gainesville, GA where Neil was employed by T-Mobile for 17 years.  He rose in the ranks beginning as a cell site technician and ended his career as the Network Operations Manager while residing in Suwanee, Ga.  

On September 29, 2016, Neil was diagnosed with GBM (glioblastoma multiforme), grade IV, i.e., brain cancer.  Neil received treatment at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta until April 3, 2018 when he was transferred to Shepherd’s Cove Hospice in Albertville, AL.

Neil was an amazing husband, father, son, brother, and friend.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. 

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Leonard J. and Vernelle Brown; Robert A. and Louvera Nash; father-in-law, Robert Hill; and two sister-in-laws, Khristy Mosley and Kim Smith.     

The family wishes to thank the staff of Shepherd’s Cove Hospice for their wonderful attention and care.  We also thank the staff of Emory John’s Creek.  Special acknowledgment to the 3^rdfloor RN’s and staff.  Your concern and care are obvious.  

Services for Neil will be at W.T. Wilson Funeral Home in Rainsville.  Viewing will be Tuesday, April 10^th, 5-8pm and memorial service held Wednesday, April 11^that 1pm.  In lieu of a graveside service, there will be a celebration of life hosted in Douglas, Alabama, at the home of Joseph Mosley.  

Contributions or donations, in his name, may be made to:

            Shepherd’s Cove Hospice

            408 Martling Road

            Albertville, AL 35951

Or

                Beth Jordan Brain Tumor Fund at Winship Cancer Institute whose sole purpose is adult GBM research.  Team: To Kale with Cancer www.winshippgp.kintera.org/Jordan

Survivors:  

(Wife)   Venessa Brown     of Suwanee, GA

(daughters)  Casey J. Brown    of    Suwanee, GA. &

  Jenna Claire Brown,    of   Suwanee, GA

(mother)    Louretta (Danny) Phillips,     of       Crossville, AL

   (father)    Jack Brown, Sr.       of   Albertville, AL

    (sister)    Dawn (Tim) Cook

  (brothers in law)    Joseph Mosley,   Jonathan & Tiffany Elrod

  (mother in law)   Ruby Hill    of    Boaz, AL

   (father in law)    Edward Ray & Donna Elrod

   (Aunts & Uncles)  Gaylia & Larry Tanner,    Robert & Rita Nash

   (Nieces)   Meagan & Savanah Mosley, Isabelle Elrod

  (Nephews)   Kolby Mosley, Hunter Smith

Mr. Brown was preceded in death by his (Grandparents) Leonard & Vernelle Brown;  and  Robert & Louvera Nash.

He was also a Veteran of the U.S. Army,  an Eagle Scout, a Graduate of Albertville High School class of 1989, and the Gainesville State Community College.

He was employed with T-Mobile for 17 years,  serving as Network Operations Manager.