Roderick Devonn Brown

THE BEGINNING Reverend Roderick Devonn Brown, better known as “Hot Rod, Hot, Rev. Hot and Uncle Hot”, was born June 03, 1961, in Birmingham, Alabama, to the late Mr. David Ree & Mrs. Remertha Jones Brown (who preceded him in death). Roderick, the second oldest of four siblings, grew up in a nurturing home where the word of God was taught. THE JOURNEY Rod began his educational development in the Birmingham School System graduating from Riley Elementary School in 1975 and Wenonah High School in 1979 and an avid football player of the Mighty Dragons. He furthered his education by attending Virginia College and receiving his Associate of Science Degree and University of Alabama in Birmingham. He later became a member of Hillman Masonic Lodge #108. Since he could not play college or professional football due to a heart murmur, he turned to coaching little league football. He was a dedicated fan of Alabama “Roll Tide” Football and the Pittsburg Steelers. He was a devoted member of the working society first with National Computer Print, Birmingham, Alabama for about 30 years and lastly Mitsubishi Electric Heating and Air Conditioning, Suwanee, Georgia. He met the love of his life, Bessie Williams and they became one on September 26, 2015, then beginning their lives together as a resident of Buford, Georgia. Just as a caterpillar transforms to a butterfly, Rod evolved to become an amazing man, in every way….a unique butterfly. He was truly intelligent, as he had an uncanny ability to communicate with everyone on any level, as he was down to earth. Rod was kind, warm, loving, caring, with a spirit of philanthropy and benevolence, and always willing to give the benefit of the doubt. He was candid, feisty, determined, no-nonsense, and tenacious. He was an inspiration to all. His love for God, family, and friends transcended all. He was slow to trust and was a very private person, but once he gave his love and trust, his loyalty and devotion, like the Papa Bear, were given unconditionally and were everlasting. He was inwardly beautiful and physically handsome, yet demure and humble. His beautiful and glorious Earthly life came to an end on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 4:45 a.m. He had several very close family members precede him in death; niece, Chad’e A. Evans on July 10, 2017, brother-in-law, Charles R. Bryant on October 04, 2017, best friend, Willie J. Gilmore, Jr., on July 25, 2019, cousin, Felecia R. Harris on October 01, 2019, the youngest sibling, Richard D. Brown on October 15, 2020, first-cousin, Lillie Pearl Lloyd on October 17, 2020, nephew, DeUndre’ J. Rushon on July 06, 2021, niece, Alethea W. Rushon on August 23, 2022 and cousin, Jarrod Jones on October 17, 2022. THE SERVANT’S WORK Rod confessed Christ at the age of 14 and joined Galilee Missionary Baptist Church of Grasselli Heights, Birmingham, Alabama, under the pastoral ship of Reverend Myron Hamner in 1975. He served his youthful years on the Youth Usher Board and Sunday School. The most important accomplishment to Rod was becoming an ordained Minister on March 03, 1996, under the direction and vast leadership of Dr. Larry D. Coleman, Sr. He leaves to cherish and preserve his memory: a loving and devoted wife, Bessie, one daughter (baby girl), Stephanie (Dennis) Chukwuemeka of Greensboro, NC, one sister, Vannessa Brown Bryant; one brother, Willie (Belinda) Rushon, Jr., both of Birmingham, AL; four grandchildren, Jayemasen, Kayelan, Layeton and Mayer; sister-in-law, Leslie Williams of Montgomery, AL; brothers-in-law, Walter James Williams of Pine Level, AL, Tyrone Williams of Texas, Stacey Williams of Banks, AL, Pastor Kelvin (Kennethee) Bryant and Derrick C. Bryant both of Birmingham, AL; nieces, Danyietta, Ashli, Tekesha, Marquita, Janay and Kimber (Trey); nephews, Renwick, LaJaune, Brandon, Marquis and Brandon (Shannette); great-niece, Khadijah; great-nephews, Daizhan, Renwick Jr., and Braylon, and a host of cousins, other relatives, church family and friends.

Roderick Devonn Brown

June 3, 1961 - March 21, 2023