Johnny Eugene Brown, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025.
Johnny was born and raised in Gary, Indiana and completed his teen years in Port Charlotte, Florida.
He was the beloved son of the late Eugene Douglas Brown and Gertie Driver Brown whose guidance and love shaped the man he became.
In 1998 he moved to Jackson, Tennessee to rejoin his mom after the passing of his father. He developed a lifelong love of history, good food and family.
A proud Veteran, Johnny honorably served his country in the United States Army before pursuing his passion for the Culinary Arts. He built a remarkable career as a gourmet chef, known for his creativity, skill and the love he poured into every dish. His food brought people together – just as he did throughtout his life.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Johnny was a true Historian at heart, always eager to learn, teach and share stories that connected the past to the present. His wisdom, kindness and laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Johnny shared his life with his devoted partner, Jokita Croom, her children and grandson, J.C.
Croom, Jasmine Croom and Josiah Kai Croom who stood by him with love and care.
He leaves behind his beloved children: Roderick Henderson (Keondra), Devin E. Brown, Taniqua
D. Brown, Gabrielle A. Brown who will carry forward his strength, humor and hard work ethics, siblings: Ricky Stidman(Tamilla), Gregory Brown (Ophelia), Maureen Hodges (Jim), Andrea Butler, Marjorie Butler, Andrew Butler, Jr., twenty grandchildren, two great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and dear friends. Johnny’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those he loved, the mealshe crafted and the historyhe cherished.
