01/31/2026
A Life Remembered with Love: Ernest P. Brown, II
Ernest P. Brown, II, affectionately known as Ernie, was born on
October 7, 1980, in Greenville, South Carolina, to Ernest P. and
Deloris H. Brown. The youngest child and only son, Ernie was a
cherished blessing to his family. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day,
January 19, 2026, at 5:38 p.m., the King of Kings and Lord of Lords,
called him home, assuring him that “there would be peace in the
valley.”
Ernie received his education through the Greenville County School
System, attending Overbrook Elementary School, Northwood
Middle School, JL Mann High School and Columbia High School.
He and his cousin, Raymond Baker, II, were baptized at Jerusalem
AME Church—now White Hall AME Church—by his late
grandfather, Reverend Andrew Hugine, Sr. Throughout his life,
Ernie remained connected to his faith and was affiliated with St.
Mary AME Church in Greenville, South Carolina.
Although Ernie faced health challenges throughout his life, he never
allowed them to overshadow his joy, laughter, or love for others. His
warm spirit was evident in every interaction. He greeted his elders
with respect and courtesy, and he engaged younger family members
and friends with kindness, humor, and a welcoming smile. Family
meant everything to Ernie, and he made it a point to attend all
gatherings, including Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas celebrations,
family reunions, and other significant milestones—such as the
presidential investiture held in Alabama in honor of his uncle.
Ernie had a remarkable way of making people feel remembered and
valued. Without fail, the first messages for birthdays, anniversaries,
Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Valentine’s Day came from him.
He expressed love not only through words, but through consistent
acts of care and thoughtfulness.
When his health permitted, Ernie worked as a driver for the
LaQuinta Inn in Greenville, South Carolina. He was fun-loving and
enjoyed playing basketball and cooking. A passionate sports
enthusiast, Ernie was an avid fan of the Atlanta Falcons. One of his
most treasured memories was attending Falcons vs Panthers games
in Atlanta with his cousin, Akilah.
Left to cherish his memory are his devoted and caring parents,
Ernest P. and Deloris H. Brown; the love of his life, his daughter,
Simone Brown-Byers; his sisters, Tonya Brown-Johnson, Pamela
Walker, and LaShun Cannon; aunts, Abbiegail H. Hugine, Willie
Mae Kanard, Lois Louise Carter, Montezel Searles, Elaine Kanard,
and Jean Kanard; uncles Andrew Hugine, Jr., Robert Walker,
Michael Kanard, Billie Jo Kanard, and Fred Atwood Kanard;
Brothers-in-law Donnie Cannon and David Walker; nieces and
nephews Delvin P. Brown, Aushaulay Smith, Kristany Brown,
Tykeeda Thompson, Tykelvion Thompson, Ashley Burnside,
Tyona Thompson, Adrian Anderson, and Antonio Anderson,; his
cousin who was like a sister, Akilah Hugine-Elmore; the matriarch
of the family, Cousin Lunetha Gary, his 96-year-old texting buddy;
his lifelong best friends Anaris Smith and Ansilee Smith; many
grand-nieces and grand-nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends
who loved him dearly.
Ernest P. Brown, II leaves behind a legacy of love, patience, and
genuine commitment to family and friends—a life well measured,
as reflected in the poem “The Measure of a Man.”
The family will receive friends on February 6th, from 3 to 6 at The Upstate Family Funeral Services Greenville Chapel. Funeral services will be Saturday, February 7th 11:30 AM at New St. Luke United Methodist Church.
