Joseph Nakia Brown, affectionately known as “Bruiser,” was the cherished son of the late John Brown and Helen Rose Brown. He was born on October 3, 1978, in Thomas County, Georgia, and departed this life unexpectedly on November 19, 2025, at the age of 47.

Bruiser accepted Christ at an early age and spent his youth as a devoted member of St. Thomas A.M.E. Church, where he was active in the youth department. He graduated from Thomasville High School in 1997, proudly serving as a member of the school band. Later, he attended Southern Regional Technical College, where he earned his commercial driver’s license and began his career in the trucking industry. Known for his strong work ethic, dedication, and team spirit, Bruiser took great pride in his profession. At the time of his passing, he was employed with Oil-Dri in Ochlocknee, Georgia.

Those who knew Bruiser will always remember him as a lover of life and people. His warm smile and genuine heart drew others to him effortlessly. He brought joy wherever he went and was often the life of the party, making sure everyone around him was having a good time. Many will fondly recall seeing him riding through the city with his favorite “Jam Pony Express” mix playing loudly. A loyal fan of both the Thomasville High Bulldogs and the Georgia Bulldogs, he eagerly spent his Fridays and Saturdays cheering on the teams he loved.

Above all, family was Bruiser’s greatest joy. He was a devoted son who deeply admired his father, John, and adored his mother, Rose. His life was further blessed with the arrival of his daughter, Anna Brooks—the apple of his eye and his pride and joy.

On August 23, 2013, Bruiser married Tameka Gordon. Through this union, he not only gained a loving wife, but he was also blessed with an additional daughter, Dakaja, and a son, Devin. He embraced the roles of husband and father with deep joy and pride. Following the example set by his father, John Brown, Bruiser honored his responsibility as provider and protector with unwavering commitment.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Tameka Brown; his children, Anna Brooks, Dakaja Samuel, and Devin Samuel; his biological mother, Deborah Gordon; his sisters, Krystal Peterkin, Stephenie Carr, Shannon Huewitt, and Connie (Gavin) Jones, all of Thomasville, GA; his brother, Jermanine Bouie; his mother-in-law, Lucille Gordon of Thomasville, GA; his sister-in-law, Vakesha (Kenyon) Wester of Tallahassee, FL; his godson, Bryson Walker of Thomasville, GA; his god-sisters, Yvette Hill Larkin of Atlanta, GA, Yvonne Hill McKinnie of Boynton Beach, FL, and Latonya Hill of Fairburn, GA. He also leaves behind special friends Lesia Tesdale, Pamela Bush, Ernest Sanders, and Carlton Turner, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Bruiser was preceded in death by his parents, John Brown and Helen Brown, and his sister, Anita Grace Brown.