MAXINE DeVAND FORWARD
In Loving Memory
Maxine and G. Budd Forward founded Brown-Forward in 1951. Maxine grew up in the former DeVand Funeral Home and was a licensed Funeral Director, as was her mother, the late Gertrude DeVand. She served as Chairman of the Board and Funeral Director of Brown-Forward Funeral Service until her passing in 2003. Maxine was a graduate of Bradford Jr. College and member of Zonta International.

ROBERT L. FORWARD
President, Funeral Director and Embalmer
Robb has been a part of the working staff at Brown-Forward since he was 14 years old. He graduated from Norwich University and The Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Robb served in the US Army Infantry in Vietnam, was formerly a Lay reader and choir member at Christ Episcopal Chruch, and currently a member of Plymouth Church of Shaker Heights, UCC, where he has been active in the youth groups and the Stephen Minister program.  Robb is currently a Commissioned Minister for the UCC serving in the area of Correctional Facilities. He was Past President of the Shaker Schools Foundation. He was also a former Ohio State High School and NCAA baseball and softball official.
robb@brown-forward.com

JUDITH M. FORWARD
Executive Vice President and Funeral Director
Judy has been with Brown-Forward just about all her life! Judy is active with Fairmount Presbyterian Church as a past Deacon, Stephen Minister, Chair of the Memorial Committee and usher. Her civic interest include Rotary International, The Hudson City Cemetery Board of Directors, the Western Reserve Academy Pioneer Women and, formerly, Zonta International.
judy@brown-forward.com

Bob has been a member of the firm since 1957! Bob is a graduate of The Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. He has been active in St. Dominic Church as an usher and administrative assistant. Bob is a past President and over 25 year member of Rotary International and a member of The Knights of Columbus.

Bob@Brown-Forward.com

 

 

 

 

Donald B. Willis
General Manager
Donald B. Willis began his career in funeral service at the age of sixteen. He joined the staff at Brown-Forward in 1965 following graduation from the Pitsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. A four-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Donald is a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, member of Acacia Masonic Lodge #651, Lyndhurst and a Royal Arch Mason, Lodge #152, Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

An accomplished bagpiper, Donald is quite active in all things Scottish. He is the ritual piper for the Scottish Heritage Association as well as the Clans Wallace, Lamont and Morrison.  In addition he is the ceremonial piper for the Rowfant Club and English Speaking Union.  He also plays old-time country fiddle.

 

An author by hobby, Donald's three full-length novels, The Mystery of the Waterloo Bagpipes, The Secret of Lightning Ridge and Calvin Hemingway's Diary - A Novel were most recently honoured by being included in the recommended summer reading list by the State of New Hampshire.

http://www.bagpiperdonaldwillis.com   

JENNIFER MERRITT
Office Manager

Jennifer joined Brown-Forward in 1990.  Jennifer received her Associate of Arts Degree, summa cum laude, from Cuyahoga Community College and Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Management, summa cum laude, from Notre Dame College of Ohio.  She is currently pursuing a Masters in Accounting. Jennifer is active in her Baptist church.

 

Jen@Brown-Forward.com

 

Brad graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1995 and received a Bachelor's Degree from Arizona State University in 1999.  From 1999 to 2007, Brad was a police officer in Chandler, Arizona.  In January, 2007, he returned home with his wife to Shaker Heights to join Brown-Forward as a fourth generation Funeral Director.  He is scheduled to complete his Apprenticeship in February, 2010.  Brad is an active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Shaker Heights.

 

Brad@Brown-Forward.com