Lester Brown

Lester Brown, a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished friend, peacefully departed this life on March 6, 2026, at the age of 82. He was born on January 2, 1944, in Jacksonville, North Carolina, to the late Captain and Marinda Brown. Lester was preceded in death by his brothers, Leroy, John, and Captain Brown, and his sisters, Mattie McNair, Mary Alice Williams, and Margaret Brown. Lester received his education in the Onslow County Public School System in North Carolina and graduated from Georgetown High School in 1965. After high school, he attended Fayetteville State University (FSU), where he proudly played football all four years. Lester graduated in 1969 with a degree in Elementary Education. His passion for learning and teaching led him to further his education at Antioch University, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Education. Following his graduation from Fayetteville State University, Lester moved to Washington, DC, where he dedicated his life to shaping young minds as an elementary school teacher in the District of Columbia Public School System. During the summers, he worked at a Moving and Storage Company alongside close friends, building lifelong bonds and memories. In 1975, Lester married the love of his life, Katherine Baldwin of Whiteville, North Carolina. Their loving union was blessed with two beautiful children, Erick and Kelli Brown, who were the pride and joy of their lives. Lester’s love and pride for Fayetteville State University remained strong throughout his life. In recognition of his athletic accomplishments and dedication, he was inducted into the Fayetteville State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014. He proudly served as President of the Fayetteville State University DC Alumni Association for two years, and remained a faithful and supportive member until his passing. In 1990, Lester discovered a passion for real estate and construction. With determination, vision, and a desire to build a legacy for his family, he began purchasing multifamily properties and laying the foundation for what would become his business. After 31 years of dedicated service, Lester retired from the District of Columbia Public Schools in 2001. That same year, he formally founded LK Brown Properties and Management, a property management company spanning multiple states and properties. Lester remained actively involved in the business he built with such care until his health began to decline. Lester will always be remembered for his deep faith in God, his generous spirit, and his unwavering love for his family. He lived a life guided by purpose, integrity, and vision. He leaves to cherish his precious memory his beloved wife of 51 years, Katherine; his son, Erick Lester Brown of Washington, DC; and his daughter, Kelli Marinda Brown of Washington, DC. He is also lovingly remembered by his sisters, Dorothy Howell and Mary Ann Crawford of Jacksonville, NC; his sisters-in-law, Daisy Hill of Whiteville, NC, Deloris Jerry of Bladenboro, NC, and Joyce Baldwin of Clinton, MD; his brother-in-law, Howard P. Baldwin (Jacque) of Evergreen, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and dear friends who will forever hold him in their hearts.

Tributes

Lester Brown

January 2, 1944 - March 6, 2026