It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dion Jeffrey Brown, who went home to be with the Lord on March 29, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent’s Hospital in Middleburg, Florida.  He was 70 years old.

Dion was born on June 30, 1955, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Comfort Fountain Keller and the late Willie Edward Brown Sr. As the son of an Air Force Master Sergeant, stationed at Fort Polk (now Fort Johnson), Dion’s early life was a grand adventure, allowing him to travel the world at a very young age.

He received his formal education in the public school system in the city of Washington District of Columbia.  Following his graduation, Dion proudly answered the call to serve his country by joining the U.S. Army.  After earning the rank of Private2, he received an Honorable Discharge in 1977 and smoothly transitioned into civilian life.

After spending time in Charlottesville, Virginia exploring various vocational paths, Dion found his true professional calling.  He was absolutely thrilled when he was hired by Newport News Shipbuilding (Huntington Ingalls), the largest private shipyard in the United States.  For 40 dedicated years, Dion worked skillfully as a Crane Operator, ultimately earning the highly esteemed status of Master Shipbuilder.  Following a remarkable and proud career, he retired in January 2020 and relocated to Green Cove Springs, Florida, to enjoy his well-deserved retirement.

Dion was a man of immense joy, style, and passion.  He had a deep love for foreign, antique, and exotic cars.  He spent much of his free time traveling, buying vehicles, and attending car shows.  He loved to dress to the nines, capture the moment in photographs, and gather with the people he loved.

Often the life of the party, Dion was a gifted storyteller with an infectious, booming laugh.  He truly never met a stranger. Whenever he met someone for the first time, he would invariably break the ice with his infamous question: “Where you from?” With those three words, a conversation began, and a new friendship was born.  His remarkable humor, boundless kindness, and unwavering love for his family and friends will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Dion leaves a legacy of love and laughter to his surviving family, his loving wife, Gail Stockman-Brown, his mother Comfort Keller of Phoenix, AZ, his daughters, Joi Brown, Dionne Brown of Newport News, Koral Mack-Plaza of Hampton, VA; Dariel Stockman Miller (step-daughter) of Orange Park, FL.  His sons, Noah Brown of Charlotte, NC; and Daryl Stockman II (step-son) of Green Cove Springs, FL. His siblings, Sisters Monica Morrison of Phoenix, AZ; and Deirdre Davis of Sherman, TX; and his brother Willie Brown (Deborah) of Hampton, VA; His sisters-in-law Iris Lewis-Brown (Darryl) and Denise Lewis-Riley of New Orleans, LA; Special friends Jeannine Cheeks of Brooklyn, NY; Norris Wilson of Savannah, GA; and host of beautiful grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends.

Dion will be reunited in heaven with his father, Willie Edward Brown Sr., his grandson Elijah Noah Brown, his mother-in-law Louella Lewis and sister-in-law Cynthia Lewis-Creighton.

While our hearts mourn the loss of our family member and friend, we take comfort in knowing that he is at peace alongside our Heavenly Father.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, repast to follow.