Clinton J. Brown

Clinton Jesse Brown “Clint,” beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend passed away on February 24, 2025.

Born on May 8, 1950, in Aiken, South Carolina, Clinton was the son of the late Clarence Brown, Sr. and Lucille Smith - Brown. He spent his early years in Aiken where he attended Oakwood Elementary School and Martha Schofield High School, graduating class of 1968. He furthered his education at Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia earning a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering in 1972, and later obtained a Master’s in Engineering Management from the University of Dayton.

In 1973, Clinton married the love of his life, Jacqueline “Jackie” Harper. Their 51-year union was built on a foundation of love, faith, and family, with a shared dedication to community service. Together, they lovingly raised two children, their son Anthony and daughter Alita, who remain the greatest joys of their life together.

Clinton began his distinguished 38 - year career with General Motors in Flint, Michigan, where he made significant contributions to the industry. Upon moving to Dayton, Clinton continued to lead innovative teams and processes for the company. After retiring as a GM executive, he pursued his dream of entrepreneurship, alongside his good friend and business partner Dave Kessler, becoming President and CEO of Alliance Engineering, LLC. He also served as the Director of Facilities Management at Central State University and President of the Dayton Urban League.

A devoted member of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, Clinton served passionately on the Board of Trustees, sang on the male chorus, and was a key organizer of the Canaan Community Garden. His faith was the foundation of his life, guiding his dedication to service.

Clinton was a pillar in the Dayton community, serving on the Board of Directors for numerous organizations, including Dayton Children’s Hospital, Choices in Community Living, Key Bank, Dayton Urban League, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Montgomery County Children Services Review Team, Montgomery County Family and Children’s First Council, and Goodwill Easter Seals, among many others.

His leadership and advocacy earned him several prestigious honors. These honors include being named a Man of Influence by the Dayton Weekly News, receiving the 2001 Engineer of the Year award from the National Society of Black Engineers, Top Ten African American Male, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Celebrating the African American Male, Dayton Leadership Graduate, American Institute of Industrial Engineers Community Service Award, General Motors Worldwide Facilities Group - Development/Implementation of Mentorship Program - Special Recognition, General Motors Tony Award for Leadership.

A proud and dedicated member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (Sigma Boulé), Clinton served as president and contributed to several committees, embodying a lifelong commitment to mentorship and leadership.

Beyond his professional and community achievements, Clinton was known for his vibrant spirit and love for life. He once drove a school bus for Martha Schofield High School, raced cars, practiced karate, drag racer, and later became an avid golfer. He loved to play bid whist and was exceptionally organized. At 70, he accomplished an incredible milestone by running his first half marathon, proving his relentless determination and love for challenges. Many people described Clinton as always quiet but loved to joke and make people laugh.

Clinton is survived by his devoted wife, Jacqueline Harper - Brown; his loving children, Alita Brown and Anthony Brown; and his cherished grandchildren, Jordan Brown, Laila Brown, Alexia Brown, and Harper Brown. He also leaves behind his dear siblings, Kenneth Brown, Wanda Williams, Pamela Lavern Moody, and Yolanda Faye Brown- Stone (Charles); along with a devoted and loving mother- in-law, Julia Harper; a special aunt, Marilyn Bush – Brown; beloved brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and a host of family members, friends, and colleagues who will deeply miss his presence.

Clinton was proceeded death by his brother Clarence Brown, Jr, and grandparents Jesse Brown and Maggie Dicks – Brown, Nathaniel (Head) Smith and Gertrude Smith.

Clinton Jesse Brown leaves behind a legacy of excellence, service, and love. His unwavering faith, leadership, and kind spirit touched the lives of many, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.

Clinton was in the process of finishing his autobiography entitled “The Letter.”   In closing, we share a quote from the book. “Few would have forecast my life’s journey at the time of my birth, but how humbling to be reminded that, as some say, it could have entirely “gone another way.”  That awareness motivates me as I prepare to share my story with you. I have been blessed to both survive threats to my well-being and to transcend circumstances that were meant to keep me from achieving my potential. I hope that my experiences and lessons learned can motivate you to keep faith and thrive throughout your own journey.”

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Sigma Boule Fund #2465 through the Dayton Foundation website Dayton Foundation | Donate Credit Card, or checks filled out to the Dayton Foundation with Fund #2465 in the memo section can be mailed to 1401 S. Main St, Suite 100, Dayton OH 45409.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.