Malachi "Carl" Brown, Jr., 81, of Elgin, SC, died Friday, February 26, 2021. Born April 2, 1939, in Columbia, he was a son of the late Malachi Carl Brown, Sr. and Lurline Delk Brown. In addition to his parents, Mr. Brown was preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Brown Hodges.

Mr. Brown was a fierce advocate for foster parents and children in South Carolina for over forty-five years, founding the South Carolina Foster Parent Association in 1975, serving as Executive Director since its inception; and working with foster families throughout the state to ensure foster parents had local representation and support through establishing local FPAs for each county. Mr. Brown served in many other leadership capacities, including National Foster Parent Association President and International Foster Parent Association Vice-President. He received numerous awards and honors through the years, including the Order of the Palmetto, but his family and friends were his greatest treasure.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Fulmer Brown; children, Lisa Franklin (Tony), David Brown (Nicole), Rufus Taylor Brown, Tammy Childs (Chris), Johnny Brown, Amy Brown, Lillian Hollis (James), Christopher Brown (Lauren), Kelsey Brown, Mackenzie Brown, and Serenity Grace; grandchildren, Erik Franklin, Andrew Franklin, Jana Frazier (Tajuan), Taylor Murphy (Jacob), Chase Brown (Amanda), Preston Childs, Walt Hollis, Abby Hollis, Ashlynn Brown, Emma Hollis, and Liam Brown; great grandchildren, McKenzie Humphries, Taj Frazier, Landon Frazier, Boston Murphy, and more to come… He was also survived by his sister, Billy Jean Brown, as well as a special member of the Brown family, Brian Marion. Mr. Brown was "Pop Pop" to more than 200 children that had the privilege to live in the home he created.

The funeral service for Mr. Brown will be held 2 o'clock Thursday, March 4th at Spears Creek Baptist Church Gymnasium, 116 Spears Creek Church Ln., Elgin, SC, with Pastor Greg Sweet and Mr. Brian Marion officiating. Burial will immediately follow in the church cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 4 until 7 o'clock Wednesday, March 3rd in the church gymnasium, as well as following the funeral on Thursday. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC, is assisting the family.

All are invited to attend; however, masks and social distancing are required to create a safe environment for all.

A livestream of Mr. Brown's service will be available by visiting his tribute page at ShivesFuneralHome.com or by visiting SpearsCreekBaptist.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to South Carolina Foster Parent Association, PO Box 39, Elgin, SC 29045 or by visiting https://link.edgepilot.com/s/cbaada65/k113ISHDJkGAeZ-AZHQUgg?u=https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=R2YP94XNHBPYE%26Z3JncnB0%3D