Marion Brand

Marion Jean Brand, affectionately known as “Marvin,” was brought into this world by his father, Homer Hopkins, and mother, Maggie Mae Brand Hopkins, on April 15, 1949, in North Perry, AL. Marion was the fifth of nine children and attended the Morning Star school. At the tender age of twelve, he was baptized at New Fellowship Baptist Church.

In 1968, as he came into his manhood at the age of 19, Marion packed his bags and moved to the Big Apple—New York City. The Bronx would become not only his home, which he shared with his then wife Jennifer Ann-Marie Bowen, but also the source of some of his fondest memories for over next twenty years. In 1991, Marion fell ill and decided it was time to move back to his hometown. In 1992, he returned with his family to Marion, AL where resided until God called him home.

Years later, Marion became an active member of Mount Olive Baptist Church. Under the guidance of the late Rev. Walter Melton, he became a faithful deacon and his words would light a fire of faith and inspiration to any podium or pulpit at which he spoke. A man of deep faith in the holy word, Marion wholeheartedly embraced the scripture Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” and every morning, before he said or did anything else, he would thank the Lord for waking him.

Marion often referred to himself as “King MB,” because he was fearless and prided himself on being a man of his word. Anyone who knew him knew that he was a big man with an even bigger heart. A hardworking man, Marion did whatever he could to take care of his family and loved-ones. He dedicated much of his time and energy caring for his mother and brother until their final days. If at any time you needed him, you could always count on him to be there, the best way he could. And, despite any disagreement he may have had with anyone, he was always one to forgive. He often said, “that was yesterday, today is a new day.”

Marion was also civically engaged in his local community. As a member of the Civic League, he spent time campaigning during elections and speaking his mind at City Council meetings. Never shy or one to mince words, he was known to speak up and speak out against the political and social injustices he observed in his community.

Marion always said that when his work was done on Earth he would faithfully go to his home in Heaven, and on September 1, 2018, he answered God’s call. He now has a new role in our lives—our angel in heaven. Marion was preceded in death by both his mother and father; Homer Hopkins (Feb 15, 1964) and Maggie Mae Hopkins Brand (Sept 4, 2006); his brothers- John Arthur Hopkins (June 23, 2002) and Willie Arthur Brand; sisters-in-law- Essie Mae Hopkin and Pattie Brand.

Marion leaves his legacy of life and love to be shared amongst his brothers: Richard Hopkins (Jeanette)-Marion, AL; Prichard D. Brand (Angela)-Montgomery, AL; Norman G. Brand- Manhattan, NY; Natchel J. Brand- Huntsville, AL; and Patrick Brand- San Diego, CA; his sister Anne Rae Brown (Rev. Henry). His sons: Clifton D. Morgan- Birmingham, AL; Christopher L. Powell- Montgomery, AL; Marvin G. Brand- Marion, AL; Holdyn E. Brand, Esq.- Brooklyn, NY;

Roy J. Brand (Latonya)- LaPine, AL. His daughters: Maxine Parsons- Harrisburg, PA; Leslie N. Brand- Charleston, SC; Stacy A. Ballard- Bronx, NY; Maggie M. Brand- Montgomery, AL; and Dana J. Romano (Rudolph)- Astoria, NY.; 24 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

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