James Brown’s Daughter Speaks to WJBF News Channel 6 About Estate Settlement

Augusta, GA—James Brown’s daughter Deanna takes a look at her father’s memorabilia at the Lucy Laney Museum, just hours after getting word about a major victory for the Brown family.

Deanna Brown-Thomas, James Brown’s daughter: “Joyous to know that through it all its been a struggle but God has blessed us we can truly say I feel good.“

After nearly three years of court battles, Judge Jack Early settled James Brown’s Estate case. The settlement states that half of the estate will go to his charitable trust, a quarter to his surviving spouse, Tomi Rae Hynie-Brown, and their son, James Brown II. The rest goes to Brown’s adult children. Deanna says despite going in and out of court, the family already made their peace.

Deanna Brown-Thomas: “We had made our peace last summer. Really, the family, along with Tomi Rae, and joining with the South Carolina Attorney Generals office to be over the charitable trust.”

Deanna says the charitable trust is broken down in two accounts: One called the “I Feel Good Trust”, which will help educate needy South Carolina and Georgia children.

Deanna Brown-Thomas: “The other trust is the brown family educational trust this trust that will educate Mr. Brown’s grandchildren.

Deanna says, with the case behind them, the family can now prepare to open the “Godfather’s” home to the world, as a museum.

Deanna Brown-Thomas: “It will be a process, it will take a little while because its going to have to be done in decency and in order its going to have to be right this is the ‘Godfather’ is not going to be anything thrown together.”

Deanna says she believes a lot of distractions is out dragged the case out but finally the family can get closure and focus on the legacy of the ‘Godfather of Soul’ James Brown.