Mr. Donival Brown Sr. was born on May 23, 1938, in Lowndes County, Georgia, to the late K.C. and Lucille Brown. In 1955, he married the love of his life, Geneva. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving at Moody Field Air Force Base. After his time in the Air Force, he moved his family to New Jersey, where they lived for the next 30 years before returning to Georgia.

Upon relocating to Adel, Georgia, Donival became an active member of the Cook County School System, where he was a beloved presence for many children and staff, affectionately known as "Mr. Don." At home, he enjoyed his passion for raising cattle, which he lovingly referred to as his "pets."

Donival is preceded in death by his late father and mother K.C. and Willie Lucile Brown, his brother Elmer Brown, and his eldest son Donival Brown Jr.

Donival is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Geneva Brown; his children, Teresa O'Cain (Daniel), the late Donival Brown Jr., Oliver Brown (Lavette), Alisa Aponte, Larry Brown (Yolonda), Jonathan Brown (Vickie), Donna (Darrell) Halstead, and Wilma Jean Johnson. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tamika (Seth) Pitts, Tanisha (Richard) Farquharson, Takeema (Johnny) Walker, Dondiego (Kloe) Aponte, Branden Brown, Matthew Brown, Kyle Brown, and Tyler Brown, as well as his great-grandchildren, Jameka O'Cain, Eldred Way Jr., Trinity Farquharson, Ja'Nya Farquharson, Richard Farquharson Jr., Johnny Walker III, Tania Walker, Jayden Walker, and Gabriel Alexander Aponte.

He is also survived by his siblings, Mr. K.C. Brown and Ms. Willie Pearl Lane. Also, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and his extended friends and family.