Cornelius (Rip) Brown, 71 of Battle Creek, MI passed away at home on Friday, March 31, 2017.
He was born December 17, 1945 to Claude Brown & Willie Covey (Sanderson) in Jackson, TN. The family moved to Benton Harbor, MI in 1954. He and his siblings grew up attending Benton Harbor Public Schools. He started his family at a young age where he married Rosa Price and of this union had three children, Vincent Brown, Cornell Brown and Rochella Brown. In 1963 he moved to Battle Creek and made it his home.
He started working at the VA medical Center, Malibu Iron in Albion, Eaton Corp, and then finally retiring from Post Cereal in 1998.
He was the past Worshipful Master of Strothers Lodge No.3 F and A.M Prince Hall Affiliation of Battle Creek for well over 25 years. He was the last active member of the Strothers Lodge No.3. He was currently an active member of the Central Lodge No. 10. In Kalamazoo, MI.
He enjoyed traveling, fishing, gardening and spending as much time as possible with family and friends.
Cornelius is survived by Son, Cornell (Melinda) Brown of Battle Creek, MI; two Granddaughters, Shanelle Brown of Battle Creek, MI; Denise Brown of Battle Creek, MI; Special Friend, Glenda Toni Smith of Kalamazoo, MI; two Brothers, William (LaVera) Brown of Battle Creek, MI, George “Dino” (Elaine) Brown of Brandon FL; Sister, Alma (Charles) Clay of Glendale AZ; and a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Claude Brown, Mother, Willie Sanderson, Son, Vincent Brown, Daughter, Rochella Brown, and Brother Gary Sanderson.

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