Thomasina Brown

Thomasina “Tomi” Brown was born to James and Velma Adams on April 18, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois. She was raised in a nurturing and supportive home that would shape her lifelong commitment to family and community. After Velma later married Don Bonaparte, affectionately known as "Papa Don," Tomi's circle of love and support only grew.

Tomi began her college career at the University of Illinois, where she met her future husband, James “Carl” Brown, Jr. She later transferred to and graduated from the University of Minnesota, where she served as the president of her Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. chapter — a role that reflected her grace, leadership, and deep commitment to sisterhood.

Carl served in the military during the Korean War. After completing his tour of duty, Carl returned to Chicago to marry the love of his life. The lovely couple wed in 1955 at the University of Chicago in an extravagant ceremony later featured in the historic Jet magazine. They built a vibrant family life and were blessed with two incredible children, Courtney and Carla. She pursued a professional career as a social worker, providing critical support and advocacy for individuals and families. She later transitioned into education, teaching pregnant girls at the Family Living Center. She worked several years in the Chicago Public School system serving as a high school special education teacher. A job relocation moved the family to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1975. Tomi took a few years off before returning to education, teaching at the Arizona Boys School and a number of schools in the Phoenix area.

Tomi’s gifts extended far beyond her profession. A legendary cook, she made dinner every night with joy and intention. Carla often brought friends from college to her home during the holidays, and Tomi’s meals earned her the title of “World Famous.” Her warmth and no-nonsense love made her a second mom to many.

She was a fierce protector and an unshakable advocate for her loved ones. Whether cheering on academic pursuits, athletic goals, or creative dreams, Tomi was the person you wanted in your corner. She encouraged greatness in others and stood firm behind them until the goal was achieved.

Deeply eclectic in her interests, Tomi had a lifelong appreciation for art, especially African and African American works. Her home was filled with meaningful pieces collected through the years. She admired Arizona’s mountain views and desert landscapes, often pointing out interesting rock formations on road trips from Arizona to California. Her children questioned the level of excitement; it just looked like a “bunch of rocks” to them. This same admiration for nature’s beauty inspired her to create her own works of art. Tomi partnered with one of her best friends to create framed dried flower arrangements. They marketed and sold these lovely pieces of art in small galleries and boutiques.

After the passing of her husband, Tomi and her mother moved to Maryland to be closer to family. She spent her later years continuing to build bonds and take part in community, joining her local chapter of the Red Hatters and participating in bridge tournaments with her neighbors. She loved games of all sorts, especially Scrabble, and was highly competitive. She didn’t like to lose, and, more often than not, she didn’t.

She loved to read and acquired an impressive personal library spanning biblical subjects, novels, art history, health and nutrition, and poetry - especially the works of Langston Hughes. Her knowledge of broad topics often led to interesting discussions.

Tomi was a devout Christian and sought community in the church. She was an active member of Tanner Chapel AME Church in Phoenix as well as Heritage Community Church in Maryland. She treasured time spent studying God’s word, and loved attending evening Bible study sessions with fellow churchgoers.

Tomi’s health declined over the past three years due to dementia. Despite her diagnosis, Tomi kept in touch with friends, shared funny anecdotes, and told everyone that she was headed back to Chicago one day. Although the move back to Chicago never happened, she now rests in the loving arms of God.

Tomi was preceded in death by her loving husband of 48 years, James “Carl” Brown, Jr.; her parents, James Adams, Velma Bonaparte, and Don Bonaparte; her sister, Darrylynn Adams-Merrifield (Gregory); her brother, Barry Adams; her brothers-in-law, Norman John Brown, Nolan Brown, Parks Hannah, Norman Johnson, Cleveland Clayton, and Lloyd Johnson; and her sisters-in-law, Virgie Hannah and Deloris Johnson. She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Courtney Brown (Marcia); daughter, Carla Patterson (Doniger); grandchildren, Alyssa Patterson (fiancé Evan), Justin Patterson (Nadia), and James “JB” Brown; brother-in-law, Roland Brown; sisters-in-law, Marion Brown, Carolyn Brown, Marilyn Brown, Betty Clayton, and Joyce Johnson; and numerous other family members and friends.

Her presence was powerful, her love was fierce, and her legacy is everlasting.