Mount Pleasant alumnus remembered for his kind spirit, athleticism

By SONYA ROBERTS-WOODS/Publisher (MPHS Class of 1988)

Editor’s Note: The Tri-County Press had the unique pleasure of covering Jamarion Brown (MPHS Class of 2020) during several of his milestone moments in high school. He was always very mannerable and super appreciative of our support of him and his teammates. This tribute is our heartfelt salute to a remarkable young man who touched so many lives in such a short, yet meaningful, span of time—forever and always a Tiger!

A gentle giant towering at 6’ 6”, Jamarion “JoJo” Demonte Brown stood taller than most, but he will forever be remembered for both his kind, quiet spirit and that infectious, signature smile.

Funeral services for Jamarion, under the direction of Bates-Cooper-Sloan Funeral Home, were held Friday, May 30, 2025 in the Willie Williams Gym at Mount Pleasant High School. Repast was held following the service at Sheppard Street Church of Christ. Visitation was held May 29, at Sheppard Street Church of Christ. Two balloon releases were held in Brown’s honor at Oaklawn Park in Mount Pleasant May 29 and in Daingerfield May 25.

Born October 15, 2001 to the parentage of LaOntra Monete Brown and Jamaal Coleman, Brown departed this life May 24, 2025. A member of Sheppard Street Church of Christ, Brown joined the Body of Christ April 18, 2012.

As a Mount Pleasant High School student, Brown excelled on and off the hardwood as a dedicated member of the Tigers’ varsity basketball team. Brown truly exemplified the tenets of teamwork playing an important role in the Tigers’ success during his high school career.

Brown’s basketball coach, Joey Chism (MPHS Class of 1997), also understands the power of Tiger pride firsthand. He, too, proudly wore the black-and-gold basketball jersey representing MPHS well as an top-tier athlete. Chism, who is also the district’s Assistant Athletic Director, had the distinct privilege of coaching and mentoring Brown.

"Jamarion Brown was an exceptional individual and athlete,” Chism explained. “It is difficult to articulate the profound impact he had on me as a coach and our basketball program. He embodied everything our MP basketball program stood for with his hard work and determination.

“His demeanor and energy were infectious which made him an amazing teammate,” Chism continued. “His leadership and ability to take direction made coaching Jamarion enjoyable and an effortless task. Jamarion never had a bad day, perhaps a challenging moment, but never a bad day. In 2020, he earned the District Defensive MVP superlative and made the All-Region team. During Jamarion's senior year, he led us to an overall record of 33-4 which broke the school record for most wins in a season. Jamarion is my definition of a true Tiger and a legend that will never be forgotten!”

In addition to his impressive accolades during that standout season as a Tiger in 2020, Brown also received All-District Honorable Mention honors for basketball in 2018. He was also selected to the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches 5A Region II All District Team. While basketball was undoubtedly his first love, Brown also competed in track and received recognition in All-District Honorable Mention (Offense/WR) during the 2018 and 2019 seasons in football. Because of his talents, he was voted Most Athletic his senior year by his classmates. He was also a 2019 Homecoming King nominee and was selected as the 2019 MPHS Christmas King.

Brock Cooper (MPHS Class of 2021) spent countless hours on and off the court with fellow teammate Brown. Now a senior at Texas A&M University, Cooper is majoring in business/finance.

"If I had to give a thought about JoJo it would be to "live today like it's your last," Cooper said. "Every time you saw JoJo, whether it was on the basketball court, at school or hanging out at the house, you would never know something was wrong with him. He was always smiling and would light up a room instantly with his energy. You never saw him upset or sad even if something was bothering him. Jo was like a big brother to me even though we didn't have the same blood or have the same skin color that didn't make any difference. If I had a problem with anything at all, I knew I could call Jo and he looked at me the same way. To know him was to love him. He always gave the utmost respect to my parents. He was always thankful for everything and was always so nice to my little brother. I could go on and on about Jo."

After high school, Brown enrolled in Southwestern Christian College (SWCC) in Terrell. Completing his studies with honors as a Ram, his academic success in the classroom was surpassed only by his athletic ability. In an online tribute, one of Brown’s SWCC professors, Vanessa Baker, shared the following sentiments:

“At Southwestern Christian College, I was Jamarion’s professor in English Composition and Rhetoric I and II, African American Literature, and Introduction to Humanities. It was in these classes that I recognized his propensity to learn and his potential to excel. I also saw his Christ-like spirit that radiated love for family, friends and community. His peaceful spirit lives on. I am grateful that I had the privilege to teach this awesome child of GOD.”

After graduation from SWCC, Brown continued his education and athletic career as a junior student-athlete at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, AR. A Reddie for only a short period of time, Henderson State Men’s Head Basketball Coach Jimmy Elgas reflected on Brown’s lasting impact in this online post:

“Jo spent just one season in Arkadelphia, but his impact on our campus was profound,” Elgas explained. “His warmth and welcoming personality made him one of the most recognizable and respected students at Henderson State among not only his peers, but by faculty and staff as well. His smile lit up a room and his dedication and care for his friends shone through in all of his daily interactions. An integral part of the 2024-25 Reddie men’s basketball team, he carved out a role for himself through his toughness, work ethic, selflessness and winning attitude. Jo epitomized the Reddie Spirit and brought honor to both himself and Henderson State in the way he played the game every time he took the floor.”

Brown is preceded in death by his beloved maternal great-grandparents Sally and Jessie Brown, Flora and Corinthis Moore, great grandmother Earline Jackson and paternal great grandfather Mose Coleman. He also joins in rest his dear cousins Monty James, Gabe Griffin II and Deshawn Newton.

Brown leaves to cherish his memories: his mother and biggest fan, LaOntra Monete Brown, father Jamaal Coleman, his siblings; Xzavier Brown, Essence Hurndon, Madison McCoo, Jariyah Brown, Tristan Smith, Jamaal Edwards, Trinity Smith, Corbyn Thomas, Tessia Smith and Jakryin Craver, fiancé; Sydni Parrish, maternal grandparents Anetha (Bobby) Wilson, Anthony (Angela) Grant, great grandfather Leonard Grant paternal grandparents; Virgie Coleman, Cornelius Gallion and Billie Jean Frazier and great grandmother Betty Mitchell.

He is also survived by special aunts Katara (KT) Wilson, Katrina (Bill) Grant, Mariah Coleman and Nannie Rita Marshall; special uncles Trentson Hill, Shannon Hines, Dante Garrett and Cortney Frazier and special friends Dolla Beard, Kaleb Thompson, Shamour Hines, Aedaun Slack, Anthony Hall and Cameryn Edney. He is also survived by his special twin, Kannyn Hines, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends he loved dearly.