Oliver Eugene Brown Sr.

Oliver E. Brown, Sr., of Houston, Texas, transitioned peacefully on July 21, 2022, at the age of 93.

Oliver Eugene Brown was the third child born February 11, 1929 in Kountze, Texas to Elder Albert B. Brown and Fannie Frances Harmon Brown. The family of 5, 2 parents and 3 children, resided in Cleveland, Texas throughout his childhood. Brown was baptized at an early age at the Church of God in Christ where his father served as pastor. While attending Cleveland High School, Brown worked at Martin Chevrolet prior to leaving his hometown to join the U.S. Army in 1948.

Brown served in the Army for 2 years in Alaska, then served in Korea. Injured during his second tour in Korea, he returned to Texas in 1953 to recuperate in a San Antonio hospital. Brown married his first wife, and they raised 3 children: Maretha (Kelly, deceased), Oliver, Jr. (Veronica), and Garry (Jan). After the two divorced, Brown reared an additional son, Kelvin E. Brown (Maria). In 1969, Oliver married Graciela Alvarez with whom he had 2 daughters: Angelina (Keith) and Berlinda (Brian). This union made 53 years in February 2022.

As Brown grew his family, he joined the City of Houston Police Department in 1957 and led an exciting career until he retired in 1991. Brown was recognized as one of the first few Black officers promoted to Detective in 1973 where he received rank as Sergeant and served in the forgery detail. He received Officer of the Year from the Afro-American Police Officers Selection Committee in 1989 and a Meritorious Service Award from Chief Lee Brown. During his retirement, Brown served as a chaplain for Precinct 7 under Constable May Walker. Brown dedicated his professional career to serving his community and helping others.

Brown entered into ministry in 1986 and served as a minister and philanthropist throughout his community. He was a man of faith who often visited senior citizens in their homes giving his time and attention, visited nursing care facilities regularly offering prayer, distributed food and clothing to those in need and supported neighborhood initiatives. He joined St. James' Episcopal Church after noticing Father Tucker care for the community and admired how Tucker "was not too big to do small things." From that inspiration, Oliver served as a Lay Reader, and was security point person for the church in earlier years. Brown appreciated the members of St. James' and supported Rev. Victor Thomas.

Brown enjoyed a full life with many hobbies and activities including, road trips across the country, listening to country and gospel music, singing for the church, mastering the guitar, opening small businesses, building house additions and making repairs, visiting family members, and helping those in need. Brown is survived by his wife, five children, a host of grand-children and great grand-children. He is predeceased by his parents, his siblings, and youngest son.

The public is welcome to a celebration of life for Oliver E. Brown at St. James' Episcopal Church on Monday, August 8, 2022, at 11 AM. Public viewing at 10 AM.

Flowers and condolences are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, you are free to send donations to NAMI Greater Houston, https://tinyurl.com/OliverEBrownSr