Marva Brown

Transforming Tragedy into Triumph

On June 29, 1996, Marva's 7-year-old grandson, James Lesley Harkins III, lost his life at the Rockford Park District’s Fairgrounds Pool in a tragic drowning.  Marva and her family were forced into a world of intense emotion and grief over the loss of James as this was the first death in the family.  As the months passed, Marva found many meaningful ways to honor the legacy of her grandson.

In August 1996, Fairgrounds Pools was renamed James Lesley Harkins III Aquatics Center. Marva and her family provided the Park District with important design features when the pool was completely renovated through state grant funds in 2004.  The aquatic facility features a zero-depth entry, water play features, and free swimming lessons, and free admission.  Mrs. Brown was often a part of the Park District’s employee orientations and staff meetings, stressing the importance of water safety and their enormous responsibilities as lifeguards.

In 2004, with her family by her side, Marva decided to pursue something of significance to keep the memory of James Lesley Harkins III alive. She created the Harkins Community Memorial Foundation. Harkins stands for (Helping to Allocate Resources with Kindness and Identifying the Need for Supporting families in need) and funding raised would provide funeral assistance for families faced with the loss of a child.  Marva stated, “I have always believed that our children are our greatest commodity. They come into the world with smiles and happiness and I think they should go out with dignity and pride.”

Under Marva’s leadership, the Harkins Advisory Board formed and would meet consistently to seek ways to reach families in need and make a difference in the lives of youth.   Their efforts include holding an annual soul food dinner fundraiser, where board members personally prepare and serve delicious homemade dishes to guests.  Her passionate commitment has gained the heartfelt support of her community, and to date, nearly 100 families have been given financial assistance with other types of support provided to countless others in their time of need.

In 2008, Marva reflected upon the year that her grandson would have been entering college, and decided to create an event to commemorate this time by recognizing other young people whose extraordinary efforts have made a difference and provided positive examples for their generation.  The Harkins Outstanding Youth Awards had humble beginnings in her church’s basement, and two years later it became a semi-formal event held at a hotel banquet center with high caliber musical performances, a keynote speaker, and scholarships awarded with computers provided to several college-bound seniors.

James Lesley Harkins III would have been 32-years-old this month.  He always told his grandma he was going to be important one day. He was right!

Marva’s Impact on Others

“We are so proud of you and so thankful for you. You have made all of us better people. I know there has been a lot of bad news over the last few years, we are surrounded by it. But when we hear what you did and continue to do, it gives us confidence that there is not a single challenge that will come our way that we can’t overcome.” - Jay Sandine, Rockford Park District Executive Director.

“You always want to figure out a way to help others. You always want to make sure that everyone feels included and I appreciate you for the person you are.” - Martesha Brown, Rockford Park District Commissioner.

 “To see how Aunt Marva took the lemons of that situation and created a lemonade of service to the community that has benefited and blessed dozens of families is humbling. I am so thankful and so proud." - Courtney Walker, Marva’s Nephew.