Eddie Brown Obituary

Eddie W. "Adell" Brown

Jan 3, 1939 - Jan 12, 2026

Columbus

Eddie "Adell" Will Brown, 87, went home to be with the Lord Monday, January 12, 2026.

Adell made his grand entrance into the world January 3, 1939, in Columbus, Mississippi, as the eldest child of Wardell and Mary T. Brown. In the mid-1950s, Adell's family relocated to Sandusky, where he attended Sandusky High School and graduated in 1957.

In 1958, Adell enlisted in the U.S. Army and completed basic training with the 10th Battalion, 4th Training Regiment at Fort Knox, Kentucky. In June 1963, he married Wilene "Wig" Marshall and continued serving in the Army until 1964, when he was honorably discharged. The union between Adell and Wig produced their only daughter, Yolonda Tonette, in 1975. Although their marriage ended in 1996, they continued to come together cordially to support their daughter and grandchildren's endeavors, demonstrating immense love for and pride in their offspring. Adell worked at General Motors as a foreman and machine repairman and at the Toledo Machining Plant as a skilled tradesperson. Post-retirement, he received security training and often took pride in being protective, observant, and prepared. In addition to his professional career, Adell was an entrepreneur at heart. Over his lifetime, he owned a clothing store, rental properties, and a bar, and he pursued various other business ventures.

A master billiards player who went by the moniker "The Underdog," Adell traveled to compete and won championships in both billiards and golf. His competitive spirit was matched by his love of camaraderie and friendly challenge. In both his personal and professional life, Adell was known for his sharp wit, quick humor, and ability to make those around him laugh. He also loved to travel and took great pride in his family's accomplishments.

Adell provided unwavering support for his daughter's writing career and educational achievements. He often traveled with her on book tours and volunteered at other events where his humor and encouragement were constant companions. He enjoyed rhythm and blues music, and his nephew, "Pokey Bear," was his favorite artist. In 2021, Adell learned that he had a son, Milton. While their relationship was still developing and finding its rhythm, both held high hopes for the future they would share.

In 2009, Adell gave his life to Christ and became a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he loved supporting and fellowshipping with the members. Although health issues later required him to relocate to Columbus with his daughter and son-in-law, he remained surrounded by love, laughter, and support. He continued to enjoy conversation, humor, music, and meaningful moments with family and friends, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wardell Brown; mother, Mary T. Brown; sisters, Clara Brown, Edna Portus, and Carrie Harris; his former wife, Wilene "Wig" Brown; favorite aunt, Osie Eldridge; and best friend/brother-in-law, Willie "Bud" Marshall.

Adell will always be loved and deeply missed. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Dr. Yolonda (David) Sanders of Columbus, OH; Milton (Sherri) Alexander, of Sandusky, OH; grandson, Tre Wilson, of Sacramento, CA; granddaughter, Tia (Jordan) Brownlee, of Columbus, OH; brothers, Wardell "June" Brown, Jr., of Midlothian, TX, Lydell Hollinger, of Sandusky, OH, and Odell Hollinger, of Columbus, OH; special niece, April (Sidney) Gustave, of Baton Rouge, LA; special nephew, Wardell "Pokey" Brown III (fiancée, Kenyatta Hall), of Midlothian, TX; brother-in-law, Coleman "Fish" Marshall, and sister-in-law, Patricia Marshall, both of Sandusky, OH; a special cousin and niece he helped raise, Lavern "Von" Eldridge Gardner, of Kankakee, IL, and Tonya Turner, of Sandusky, OH; close friends, Donnie Alexander, of Sandusky, OH, Cleo Donald, of Sandusky, OH, Luther (Yvette) Henson, of Columbus, OH, and Kelvin (Barbara) Lindsey, of Columbus, OH; cousins, Margaret Barry, of Tuscaloosa, AL, and Donna (Reginald) Taylor, of Columbus, OH; Pastor Clayton E. Howard and the entire Ebenezer Baptist Church family, and countless other relatives and friends.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. until time of funeral services at noon Monday, January 26, 2026, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1215 Pierce St., Sandusky. Military honors will take place outside of the church, following the service.

Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, is handling arrangements.

Condolences may be made to the family by visiting toftfuneralhome.com.