Donnie Delane Brown

BROWN – Donnie Delane Brown, age 93, of Dacula, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 16, 2026. There will be a Celebration of life held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Grace New Hope Church, Lawrenceville, Georgia. The Family will receive friends at 10:00 AM prior to service. Donnie was born in Quitman, Louisiana. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Coast Guard. While stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas, he met the love of his life, Sue. The two were married for nearly 71 years, sharing a lifetime filled with love, family, faith, and service to others. Donnie earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Northeast Louisiana State College and a Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Oklahoma State University. Donnie lived a life dedicated to serving others. His faith was an important part of his life, and he was actively involved in the church throughout the years. He found great fulfillment in helping others and making a difference in the lives of those around him. In 1975, Donnie founded Metro Atlanta Recovery Residences, Inc. (MARR), an organization dedicated to helping individuals struggling with substance abuse and supporting their families. He served as its Executive Director and devoted much of his professional life to developing innovative approaches to recovery. Donnie believed strongly that there was always hope and another path forward, living by the motto, “There's a better way to do it. Find it." Under Donnie's leadership, MARR developed new and innovative ways to address not only substance abuse, but also its impact on families. His compassion, creativity, and commitment to recovery touched countless lives. Although he eventually retired from MARR, Donnie continued to serve on its board and volunteer with the organization for many years. His groundbreaking work in the field of substance abuse treatment earned him recognition from Georgia Governor Joe Frank Harris, who presented Donnie with the Governor's Award of Excellence for his innovative contributions to substance abuse treatment. His work and innovative approach also brought national attention, and Donnie was featured in four national magazines for his contributions to the field of substance abuse treatment and recovery. Donnie's greatest joy was his family. He cherished every opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and took great pride in watching them grow and achieve their dreams. He rarely missed a school event, program, recital, or game if he could help it. Whether sitting in the audience, cheering from the sidelines, or simply spending time together, Donnie treasured these moments and the special bond he shared with each of them. His presence, encouragement, and unconditional love will be deeply missed by his family. Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys (Sneed) and Tillman Brown, and his son-in-law, Kenneth Welshhans. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 71 years, Sue (Lovell) Brown; daughter, Janice (Brown) Welshhans of Loganville; son and daughter-in-law, John and Toni Brown of Johns Creek; grandchildren, Audrey and Heath Herron, Bryan and Kristin Welshhans, Abigail and Tyler Gehring, Alaina and Justin Thompson, and Luke Brown; and great-grandchildren, Natalie Herron, Emmalyn Herron, Ava Welshhans, Hadley Welshhans, and Ryker Welshhans. Donnie will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his devotion to his family, his service to his country, and his lifelong commitment to helping others. His legacy of compassion, hope, and service will continue through the many lives he touched. An inurnment service will be held at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia, on October 6, 2026, at 11:30 AM. Arrangements by Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 300 Simonton Road SW, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046. 770-962-3100. Please sign the online guest registry at www.stewartfh.com.

Donnie Delane Brown

January 5, 1933 - August 16, 2026

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Donnie Delane Brown

January 5, 1933 - August 16, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support