Vera Brown

Mrs. Vera Faye Clay Brown, 80, was called to rest on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 in Atlanta, Texas. Services will be Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at Emmanuel Community Church, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Brown was born September 26, 1929 in Henderson, Texas to the late Leon Dorsey and Liza Jones Dorsey. She graduated from Minden High School. Elder Vera attended Bible Seminary at Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas and attended Bible and Theology classes at McMurry University in Abilene, Texas.

Mrs. Vera married Ardell Clay on June 1, 1947. To this union six children were born. She married Versie Lelton Brown on November 3, 2003.

Mrs. Vera worked in childcare for many years owning her own day care business for several years. Mrs. Vera also served in the Clergy Ministry for 48 years. She was the pastor of several local churches for 35 of those years. Her home was always known for being a safe haven for hurting souls, especially children.

Mrs. Vera united with St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Atlanta, Texas where she served beside her husband and pastor, Rev. Versie Lelton Brown until her death. She was preceded in death by her late husband, Rev. Ardell Clay; her parents, Leon and Liza Dorsey; two brothers, Jimmy L. Dorsey and Tommy L. Dorsey; two daughters, Marilyn Dixion and Lois Marie Clay; one son, Melvin Henry Clay; and step-son, Versie L. Brown III.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Rev. Versie L. Brown; daughters, Lavern Seabrook, Audrey James (Tim), Barbara Smith (Randall) all of Abilene, Lakeitha Patterson (Keith) and Karensa Pugh (Wayne) both of Indianapolis, Indiana; one adopted daughter, Louise Pegues of Duncanville, TX; eight sisters, Ruby Cooper, Ethel Morris, Armentha Tucker, Dorothy Walker, Mary Gaines, Ruby N. Scott, Vera N. Eddington and LaGail Weaver. Also one brother, Calvin Dorsey; daughters-in law, Era Clay Johnson and Lillie Ellis Clay. There are six step-children, Verslia Lashay Brown, Verslia Lavone Brown, Verslia Brown Towels, Aretha Victoria Brown, Shantile Sherice Brown and Leslie Karl Brown; 23 grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.