Lynn Winfield Brown, Jr.

Lynn Winfield Brown Jr., a human rights advocate and educator, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2024 at the age of 71. A lifelong Florentine, Winfield was born in Florence, SC in 1952 to Lynn Winfield Brown and Helen Wells Creamer Brown. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved daughter-in-law, Melissa Legare Brown, and Nancy’s parents, Simon “Si” and Barbara Cantey Cockfield. He is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years, Nancy Cockfield Brown, his son, Kyle Andrew Brown of Mt. Pleasant, his sisters, Ansley Brown, Marie Brown and Elaine Brown, of Columbia. Also surviving are his sisters-in-law, Janet (Donnie) Turner of St. Marys, Georgia, Susan Cockfield of Columbia, Sarah Cockfield of Myrtle Beach and Lynn (Ryan) Miller of Florence, as well as, a brother-in-law, William Cockfield of Coward. Winfield grew up and attended school in Florence. He graduated from McClenaghan High School, class of 1969, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Charleston in 1973. He was a member of the Kappa Chi Chapter of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. During his years at the College of Charleston, he formed bonds and friendships with his fraternity brothers that have spanned 50 years and withstood the test of time and distance. Winfield continued his education by obtaining a Master of Arts degree from Long Island University in 1981. Throughout his career, Winfield dedicated himself to serving others. He worked as a psychologist at both the Pee Dee Regional Center and Florence County Department of Disabilities and Special Needs. He continued to serve the staff and residents of Pee Dee Regional Center as Chairman of the Human Rights Committee for forty years. He faithfully fulfilled his duties as Chairman until he was no longer able to do so. His passion for education led him to Florence-Darlington Technical College where he served as a Human Services Instructor and Field Placement Supervisor from 1993 to 2023. He was deeply committed to his students and was honored with several awards throughout his career for his contributions to education. Awards include Florence-Darlington Technical College’s Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year Award, the Governor’s Distinguished Professor Award, South Carolina Technical Education Association’s Educator of the Year Award, and the National Academic Advising Association’s Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Student Advising. In 2021, he was named Faculty Emeritus by Florence-Darlington Technical College. This distinguished honor is given to those who have demonstrated exceptional service to the College, their discipline, and the community. Additionally, Winfield served as FDTC’s Faculty Senate President for many years. Winfield was also very involved in his community. He was a steward of the Historical Timrod Park Neighborhood and held various leadership roles, including President of the Timrod Park Neighborhood Association. Winfield was an advocate for both human rights and the welfare of animals, dedicating himself to helping others. He held a strong belief that those who are able should work towards the betterment of their community, improving the lives of all who reside in it. He lived his life as an example. Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Services will be held privately at a later date. Those wishing to honor his memory may do so by donating to one of the organizations that he and Nancy supported, including: Florence Area Humane Society PO Box 4808 Florence SC 29502 Lighthouse Ministries PO Box 6801 Florence SC 29502 Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault Attention: Ellen Hamilton PO Box 1351 Florence SC 29503-1351 Memorials may also be made to the: FDTC Educational Foundation L. Winfield Brown Jr. Memorial Scholarship for Human Services 2715 West Lucas Street Florence SC 29502 This scholarship will continue his support of future generations in the field of human services. Lynn Winfield Brown Jr. will be deeply missed by his family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, students, and all whose lives he touched with his generosity and gentle spirit. His legacy will, hopefully, inspire others to live their lives by the example he set.