Paul Jordan Brown

He was born in Anderson, SC, the youngest child of the late Mary Bradley and Edward Love Brown. He grew up in Florence.

Paul was a graduate of McClenaghan High School in Florence. He earned his bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees from the University of South Carolina, as well as an Educational Specialist degree from Appalachian State University.

Paul touched thousands of students’ lives during his 33-year career as a psychology teacher at Midlands Technical College. His friends and family were constantly entertained by his gregarious storytelling and ability to crack a joke at just the right time. Paul never left a gathering without telling his friends he loved them, and he always celebrated at full capacity – from creating main dishes to celebrating holidays. His idea of a party involved the “biggest and the best,” whether it was a Thanksgiving turkey or a fireworks display.

Paul was a faithful member of Washington Street United Methodist Church, and one of his passions was working as a volunteer in the Soup Cellar ministry. He was an active member of the church choir, about which he said was “all the therapy” he would ever need.

Paul is survived by the love of his life, Susan Johnston Brown, whom he married in 1986. He is also survived by his children, Bess Ratsimbaharison and her husband, Tsilavo Ratsimbaharison of Savannah, Ga., and Jordan Brown of Carney’s Point, NJ. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Spearman of Atlanta, Ga., and his beloved grandchildren, Amos and Ruby Ratsimbaharison. In addition, he is survived by his Bradley cousins –Michael Burkhold, Marsha Brannen, Foster Bradley, Rick and Ren Bradley, Andrew Johnson, Joe and John Shuford, and their families, his aunt, Mickie Bradley, and his in-laws Jim and Joan Johnston and Bill and Kim Johnston and their children. He was predeceased by his parents, and his brother, William Bradley Brown.

Paul’s family is so grateful for the excellent care he received from the nurses and staff at Prisma Health Richland ICU and for the outpouring of love and support from friends and family. Causes that were important to Paul were the Washington Street UMC Soup Cellar, the Washington Street UMC Choir Fund (https://wsmethodist.org/giving/), and the Midlands Technical College Foundation (https://www.midlandstech.edu/about/mtc-foundation/about-mtc-foundation). The family respectfully suggests donations to any of these worthy organizations in lieu of flowers.

The memorial service will be Monday, November 1, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Washington Street United Methodist Church, 1401 Washington Street, Columbia, SC 29201. In accordance with church COVID protocols, masks are required. The family will greet visitors in Threatt Hall following the service.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com