Gazzi Lawrence, Jr. Brown

Gazzi Lawrence, Jr. Brown, known to many as “Larry” was born on December 31, 1946 to Gazzie Lawrence, Sr. and Hazel Lena Corley Brown, both of whom preceded him in death as well as sisters Anna Marie, eldest and Deborah Louella, youngest.  Larry was the second child of five born to this union.  He departed this life on Friday, July 8, 2022 at Eastside Medical Center in Snellville, Georgia.

In 1974, Larry married Joy Tull, and from that union was born two beautiful girls, Freida and Serena.  They lived in Staten Island where they continued their education and later moved to Binghamton, NY where he worked as an engineer for IBM.  They later moved to Michigan then back to the east coast.

In February, 2004, Larry married his current wife, Elizabeth Brown.  They resided in Baltimore, Maryland.  Elizabeth was an excellent culinary artist and he enjoyed the delicious Trinidadian meals she prepared.  Elizabeth shared that they were always on the road and spent lots of time in Delaware at the waterfront – he loved the water!!  Larry and Liz derived pleasure from driving “Ma” to church every Sunday.  One of Liz’s fondest memories was a two-some surprise birthday party he hosted at their home with all the amenities.

Larry loved family life and never missed an opportunity to socialize with family or attend family reunions on both sides of the family.  He would show up to family reunions (or any event) with several cameras, clicking away during the entire Reunion, which was usually four days.

Larry’s daughter, Serena was his “traveling partner”.  They took many amazing trips together, including several cruises and state excursions.  Larry was a history scholar and recalled many historical accounts as few others could.  Yet, his manner was calm and unassuming.  His zeal for our true history took him on an educational tour of six West African countries in college, and later to Hawaii, Egypt, Trinidad and many other cities in the U.S.

From birth, Dad and Mom knew Larry was a very special child.  Larry was ambitious and effortlessly excelled in school from early years, often never studying for a test but always achieving high marks in all of his subjects.  Larry took the test for Stuyvesant High School and passed, but was not accepted into the school, as was the discriminatory practices regarding many African Americans at that time.  Nonetheless, Larry was optimistic, knew he was capable of scholarly work and attended Charles Evans Hughes High School, Staten Island Community College, College of Staten Island, New York Technical Institute, Fordham University and several other institutions.  Larry continued his education over the years, always in school taking or teaching a course.  He also received his Masters’ degree from one of these higher institutions of learning.

Larry worked as an engineer in the Fiber Optics Department of the New York City Transit Authority and retired in 2019 after many distinguished years of service.

Larry enjoyed hobbies of fishing, boating and photography, and relaxing at the casino.  He spent several years at social events as a photographer with his brother Isaiah and several other friends.  Larry loved to buy used cars and boats to fix them up.  He would not purchase anything unless he negotiated the lowest price.  He felt “accomplished” when he did that.

In 2019, Larry joined his daughter Serena in Virginia.  They then moved to Atlanta to be closer to family.

Larry leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Elizabeth Brown, two daughters, Freida Oliver (Richi) and Serena Brown; two grandsons, Willie Liddell and Riley Oliver; one brother, Isaiah Brown (Karen) of Galloway; NJ; two sisters, Parmela Hardie of Philadelphia, PA, and Jacqueline Richardson (Freddie) of NYC; a lifelong special friend, Paula Fitchett, and a host of special nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

We will miss Larry in so many ways, but rejoicing that his soul is soaring in the heavens with His Lord and the Ancestors!

Lovingly submitted,

The Family

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.