Jeff BrownJeff Brown referred to his wife Bev Brown as his angel since he was first diagnosed with cancer in March 2010. On Jan. 28, 2011, Jeff became Bev's angel when he died at home surrounded by his loving family.Jeff had many passions in his 56 years of life. He crusaded for issues such as domestic violence, child abuse, HIV/AIDS awareness and ending hunger. But his biggest passion was always his family.Bev describes their more than 34 years of marriage as a roller coaster ride - fun and exciting and at times a little unpredictable. Their twin daughters - Abbey Brown Doyle and Sarah Brown Spurgeon - held a special spot in Jeff's heart.The sisters each have their own special memories and moments of their father. His daughters' adventures both near and far were his favorite stories to tell for this vivid storyteller to share.Jeff never worried about his declining health or the pain it might bring; his only concern was about missing out on all the future memories he had yet to make with the ever-growing Brown clan.With the November announcement of his first grandchild, Jeff was overjoyed. He'd started stretching his grandpa muscles a few years back with "grandkitty" Comilla Spurgeon and "grandpuppy" Van Gogh Doyle. Jeff had already made plans to teach Baby Doyle how to write haiku and throw a curve ball. Although he won't be here for the arrival of his grandchild, Jeff will live on through the countless stories family and friends will share.In addition to his nuclear family, Jeff was blessed by a tremendously close and supportive extended family of in-laws. He often joked that he was an "out-law" but considered each of them his sons, brothers, sisters, mother and father.Some of his best memories were made with those family members on Bev's family farm in Alpha, Ill. And that same family is the one that has helped support him through these past tough months.Jeff was born in Belvidere, Ill., on Nov. 8, 1954, and grew up there. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.For more than 28 years, Jeff dedicated his life to helping people as a licensed clinical social worker. He specialized in treating addictions, and along the way he touched many lives both professionally and socially.Friends would describe Jeff as gregarious, the life of any party and someone who never met a stranger. He often joked that the world revolved around him, and his intelligence and ease in conversation often made people agree.Jeff shared his lifelong passion for the New York Yankees with his brother-in-law Chuck McLaughlin and nephew Wade McLaughlin. One of Jeff's fondest memories was a trip to New York with Chuck and his sons Wade and Ryan to see Yankee Stadium one last time.His love for music was one of his stronger passions as well. Jeff's record and CD collection at a time numbered in the thousands, and he could name each one. Music was a passion his daughter Sarah shared with Jeff.His gift for the written word was one that shocked many. Jeff was a published poet, had articles in national publications and helped do clinical writing for his profession. Daughter Abbey has followed in his footsteps, carrying on the writing legacy for her dad as a journalist.Jeff's love for Christ was evident in his actions. A longtime member of Community United Methodist Church, he often was one of the only tenors to sing in the choir. Like his touching poetry, the sweet sound of Jeff's voice coming from such a strong presence was often shocking. In addition to choir, Jeff was involved in several missions and men's projects at the church.He lived life to the fullest, and he and his family never doubted their strong and forever love for each other.Survivors include wife Bev, of Vincennes; daughters and sons-in-law Abbey and Michael Doyle of Anderson, Sarah and Chris Spurgeon of Evansville; mother Patricia Stewart of Belvidere, Ill.; sister Kristine and Mike Mollway of Machesney Park, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.Jeff was preceded in death by his father and step-mother Russell and Janet Brown.Visitation for Jeff will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Goodwin Funeral Home with his Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Community United Methodist Church with Ray Tromley and the Rev. Cheryl Garbe officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Good Samaritan Hospital Hospice or Community United Methodist Church Grief Support Fund.Online condolences can be sent to www.goodwinfamilyfh.com.
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