god saw the road was rough and the hill was hard to climb. God decided to made heaven his home. Samuel R. Brown, Jr., was led to travel the heavenly highway on Thursday, March 1, 2012. Born to the late Mary and Samuel R. Brown in Baltimore, Maryland, on June 12, 11912, he was one of five siblings born of this union. Sam was educated in the public schools of old South Baltimore. He worked as a laborer in numerous jobs to support his family. He worked until the ripe old age of 72, when he retired from the Social Security Administration. Sam found his soul mate, Elsie V. Johnson, at an early age, and they were united in marriage for seventy-seven years. From this union came eight children. Elsie preceded him in death in 2006. Her departure void his life, but her memories remained with him as he refused to have anything of hers removed from their home. He remained in his home, taking care of himself, until his health began to fail 18 months age. Sammy, Sam Brown, Daddy, Dad, Pop-Pop, Granddad - he was known by so many affectionate names. He would always greet you with a hardy "Hello," and he always had a sense of humor. He was a very proud Patriarch of his family, and his memory could take you back for decades. He loved sitting and talking about old times, old friends and family. He was always giving advice on anything and everything. Most of all, Sam would have been a very rich man if he could have patented all of his ideas and so-called inventions. He also enjoyed gardening. His Christian journey began at an early age, after being baptized in the river at Brown's Grove. A faithful original member of John Wesley United Methodist church until his health began to fail, he looked forward to the members who visited him, and he was able to participate in the home spiritual services, singing gospel hymns and receiving Holy Communion. Samuel Brown truly loved the Lord. Even in his failing health, prayers were always on his lips. His favorite scripture was the 23rd Psalm. Sam was a Master Mason of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Morning Star Lodge #44. After numerous hospitalizations, Sam resided with one very devoted granddaughter, Deborah Tyrone Bond, with tender care supplied by both Season Hospice Nurse Deborah Toole and Johns Hopkins Home Care and Home Support. Two weeks prior to his death, Sammy said his good-byes to his family; "Hello to all of my children. I must leave you. I hope to see you soon. Take care of my house, please, and don't be sad." Three sons, four grandsons, one great-grandson, one daughter and two granddaughters preceded him in death. Sam leaves to cherish fond memories; two sons, Joseph and Gilbert Brown; two daughters; Elsie Code and Shirley White; three daughters-in-law, Ann and Mamie Brown and Kathryn Austin; 26 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; one devoted sister-in-law, Ida Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.