Anthony Gefford Browne, affectionately known as Jeff, Tony, and to some “The Gipper,” was born on July 13, 1955, in Buxton, Guyana, to Shirley Blair and Sydney Browne. He was raised with love, strength, and structure, not only by his parents, grandmother, and uncle but also by Gladstone “Pops” Blair, who treated him as a son. From an early age, Anthony carried himself with confidence. Those who grew up with him might smile and say he had a bit of a “bad boy” reputation, but they would also tell you that behind that reputation was intelligence, athleticism, especially on the cricket field, and a natural leadership ability that followed him throughout his life.
Immigrating to the United States took courage, and Anthony had no shortage of that. He went on to bravely serve this country in the United States Army, a decision that reflected his bold spirit and willingness to step into any challenge head-on. After his military service, he worked across various industries before ultimately discovering his true calling in sales. At Home Depot, Anthony thrived. He did not just meet expectations; he exceeded them. He
would proudly tell the story of selling over a million dollars in home improvement in a single year, earning himself an all-expense-paid cruise. And if you asked him about it, he wouldn’t just tell you the milestone. He would tell you the exact amount he sold, every destination the cruise stopped at, and, of course, the dates. If nothing else, Anthony remembered dates, but he also remembered details and moments.
Beyond professional accomplishments, Anthony’s greatest joy was people. Especially children. Halloween was his favorite holiday, not because of the costumes or decorations, but because he loved seeing the excitement in kids’ eyes when he placed the biggest handful of candy into their buckets. He did not do anything halfway. If he was giving, he was giving big. Music was another deep love of his. Music was not just entertainment for Anthony. It was a time machine. A song could take him back to a memory or point in time, and yes, he would know the exact date. If you ever rode in the car with him, you knew two things: first, you might need to say a prayer because driving with him was a risk, and second, you were definitely listening to a CD or Tom Joyner on 102.3. His all-time favorite artist was Stephanie Mills. The lyrics of her 1980 hit, “Never Knew Love Like This Before,” describe the kind of love Anthony gave and received so freely with those closest to him.
He loved deeply. He loved hard. And once you were his, you were his.
More than anything, Anthony was devoted to his family. He was married to his beloved wife, Shirma Browne, for 31 years. He was a father to Jessie Chung, Jerome Browne, Lee Maximay, Maurice Browne, Monique Browne, Cassandra Alexander, Chelsea Marshall, Jamal Browne, and Kemesha Alexander, whom he thought of as a daughter. He was a proud grandfather to Fatia Rodgers, Sean Abraham Jr., Day’onna Browne, Malik Browne, Allure Browne, King-A’mor Browne, Sanaiya Govan, Anaya Maximay, Keon Browne, Kareem Browne, Kyseem Browne, Khamora Browne, Kyiana Browne, Daquan Browne, Ray Carter Jr., Kameron Taylor, Khamiyah Taylor, Haylee Marshall, Christian Marshall, and Langston Marshall. And an even prouder great-grandfather to Michael Browne, Michael Browne, and Magic Browne. He took pride in each and every one of them. His love was not quiet. It was present. It was protective. It was strong.
Anthony was preceded in death by his loving son, Shabakah Alexander. While that loss weighed heavily on his heart, we take comfort in knowing that they are reunited again. He also leaves behind his siblings Pauline Azore, Paul Browne, Wenceslas Laundry, Orin Blair, Annetha Hall, Gregory Blair, Julian Blair, Entuni Browne, Kay Hinds-Browne, Dadan Browne, Nacawe Browne, and Kwame Browne, along with a host of in-laws, extended family, and friends who will carry his memory forward.
Though our hearts ache, we hold tightly to the memories he gave us. The laughter. The music. The stories told with exact dates and vivid detail. The oversized handfuls of candy. The love for his wife. The pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His legacy lives on in every story we share, every song that takes us back, and every act of love inspired by him.
We will miss him deeply. We will carry him always. And we are better because he was ours.
