Remembering Jimmy Brown

Remembering Jimmy Brown

by Tobi Scott

On Saturday April 10, Maryville College students were taken aback by the news of Jimmy Brown’s passing. As one of the beloved members of our dining staff, Jimmy lit up the faces of college students daily with his genuine kindness towards everyone in the MC community.

In memory of Jimmy, measures were taken by many people around campus in an attempt to console Brown’s family and honor his memory. During the week leading up to the final memorial service, patrons of Pearson’s Hall donated money for Jimmy’s family as they passed through each day. By the end of the week, 1,242 dollars have been raised in donations.

In addition, the chapel service on Tuesday, April 14 ended with a heart-felt memorial led by Campus Minister Rev. Dr. Anne McKee and various other students who had been touched by Jimmy in his life and devastated by his passing. Students who spoke included, but were not limited to: Halle Hill, Cole Burns, Spencer Blanden and Erin Persinger.

SGA’s Compassions Committee, a branch of SGA dedicated to handling emotional affairs on campus, decided to organize a support poster which stayed in the Center for Campus Ministries for a week to be signed by students before being taken to Jimmy’s family. In addition, the Compassions Committee donated flowers and a gift card to the Brown family.

On the day of the service, McKee offered to take students with her in the Bonner van. At the service, Hannah Kirby, co-chair with August Greer of the Compassions Committee, said a few words about Jimmy on behalf of the MC student body. Jimmy’s family expressed gratitude for the way the MC campus came together in their time of need.

Jimmy Brown will truly epitomize the phrase ‘gone but not forgotten.’ His legacy at MC will live on, and those touched by his smile and radiating energy will carry his memory with them in years to come.