Ms. Dorothy Louise ("Sparkle") Brown

Sparkle was born October 8, 1954 in Jackson, Tennessee to John Cole (deceased) and Verline Brown. She migrated to Kalamazoo, Michigan in the early 1960's with her mother and step-father Willie Beasley (deceased). This transition provided the opportunity for young Sparkle to excel in the Kalamazoo Public School System and earn the necessary credits to complete her high school courses ahead of schedule and graduate from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1972. Sparkle was a dedicated and bright student with ample ambition. She also attended Western Michigan University and earned a degree in business and she received a degree in Cosmetology. Sparkle became a member of Galilee Baptist Church as a young girl. Sparkle retired as an employee of Kalamazoo County on October 7, 2009, where she served as Supervisor at the Ministry with Community Homeless Shelter for nearly two decades. Sparkle took great pride during her tenure with the shelter helping recipients achieve goals and objectives, re-establishing homesteads, and a sense of well-being. Sparkle was blessed with two loving sons: Quintin and Tyson Brown, whom both survive her passing; and are two loving fathers to Sparkles four grandsons: Quintin, Tykese, Quibin and Isaiah; and two granddaughters: Morgan and Kennedy and two goddaughters: Ladayshia Brown and Ashley Gordon. "Baby and Boots", Sparkles two loving dogs will miss her presence as well. They were her pride and joy. Also surviving: her loving mother, Verline Brown-Beasley; companion Eric Anderson; eleven brothers: Azariah, Douglas, Shondell and Quincy Brown of Kalamzoo; Keith Cole of Jackson, Tennessee; Charlie Cole of Pontiac, MI; Robert Cole of Chicago; Willie, Noble and Billy Beasley of McKenzie, Tennessee; and Jerry Beasley of Detroit; four sisters: Christie and Fashanda Brown of Kalamazoo; Sky Luter of Milan, Tennessee and Wendea (Douglas) Ringer of Atlanta; an honorary sister, Helen Duncan of Kalamazoo. Sparkle was preceded in death by her younger and dear sister, Phyllis Echols in 1996. Sparkle is survived by a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Also, step-grandmother, Lucille Brown of Kalamazoo. All of her natural grandparents are deceased. She was blessed with many close and dear friends: honorable mention, Eric McPherson and Hilda Snell; two best friends, Earlene King and Shirley Gordon. Sparkle was loved by many and will be missed by all who were blessed with her presence.

Ms. Dorothy Louise ("Sparkle") Brown

October 8, 1954 - January 18, 2010