William ‘Bo’ Brown: Quite the gentleman
By Alice Thomas-Tisdale
JA Publisher Emerita
State Rep. William R. “Bo” Brown (District 66) succumbed June 8, 2026, after a lengthy illness. He was 81. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, June 13, 2026, 10 a.m., at New Horizon Church International, 1750 Bobby Rush Blvd., Jackson, MS. Visitation begins Friday, June 12 from 1-6 p.m. at Collins Funeral Home, 415 N. Farish St. with Omega services 6-8 p.m.
Condolences have been pouring in from national, state, county, and local officials as well as community organizations like Brinkley Eagle Alumni Association of which Brown served as vice president, and highly regarded educators including Dr. Glenda Glover, former president of Tennessee State University where Brown was a student athlete.
“I am profoundly saddened by the passing of my friend, Representative Bo Brown, a distinguished leader within the Mississippi Legislature and a fiercely proud alumnus of Tennessee State University,” said Dr. Glover. “Rep. Brown’s steadfast commitment to public service, paired with the invaluable support and grace he extended to me during my tenure as president of our alma mater and at Jackson State University, spoke volumes about the depth of his character and his unwavering devotion to lifting up others.
“His life’s work leaves behind a luminous legacy of leadership, sacrifice, and generosity that will endure for generations. Our collective Tiger families have lost a giant, and he will be missed beyond measure.”
In a good way, Bo had just enough imperfections to qualify as human. Being such, he was quite the gentleman, classic family guy, educator/coach, businessman, commentator, and beloved frat brother. Later in life, he would become “that guy” who answered the call of elected office. It was an easy transition for him after stints at the United States Department of Justice and HUD.
Bo was highly educated. Besides his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from TSU, he received a Master of Public Policy and Administration from Jackson State University, and was also a postgraduate at Santa Clara University.
Over 45 years ago, Charles W. Tisdale introduced me to his sports editor. I got a crash course in Bo Brown sports history; at 24 years old, to say the least, I was mesmerized. Now at 70, I’m still impressed.
Bo would come to handle all our insurance needs. I’m sure he was one of New York Life’s top agent. I know he was tops with me. Anytime he said DeAnna’s name, sweetness surrounded it, and a smile always followed. It’s a known fact that Charles Tisdale and Bo feuded in the political ring when he was city councilman. They often found themselves in opposite corners; two bulls, but stubborn for the same reason – social justice. And that’s how they lived their lives until the very end – giving all they had to make life better for others. Rest well, dear friend. Let us keep his wife, Imelda, and their children Michelle, Kidada, and Dawn in our thoughts and prayers.
