Jackie O'Neil Brown

Jackie was born on January 12, 1934 in Keystone, West Virginia to Lawrence & Myrtle Brown. He grew up with his five brothers and one sister. He attended public schools in West Virginia, graduating from Kimball High School in 1951.

After graduation, Jackie enlisted in the Army and served in the Infantry and Security branches. His first stop took him to Fort Wolters Air Force Base in Mineral Wells, Texas. There he met the love of his life, Minnie Bell Holbert. Minnie had three children from a previous marriage. Jackie embraced them as his own and after a brief courtship, he and Minnie got married. Military life afforded them extensive travel from Japan to Turkey and beyond. While traveling the world the family grew from three to nine children. Jackie served in the Vietnam War and remained active duty until 1973, when he retired in Fort Hood, TX.

Jackie worked in various roles until he found his next passion as a firefighter at Carswell Air Force Base. He loved being a firefighter, making some lasting friendships and creating amazing memories while still serving his country. He retired for the second time and came home to young adults and teenage children. As life would have it grandchildren soon followed. Jackie kept active and busy often playing softball, bowling and of course, dominoes. In addition, he and Minnie were also very active in church. Jackie confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior and was ordained as a Deacon in 1998 at Trinity Temple, under the leadership of Bishop Robert Young. They continued to bring Glory to God and would later join Tastebud Ministries, where they served diligently in the feeding ministry under the leadership of Servant Pastors Gea and Kimberely Anderson. They then served at Gospel Temple Christ Holy Sanctified Church; under the leadership of the late Bishop E. L. McBride, until their health prevented their faithful attendance.

In 2011, Minnie became ill while caring for Jackie who had previously been diagnosed with dementia. She gave specific instructions for the remainder of her life and his. After her passing in 2012, Jackie was cared for in his home for a year until his illness required round the clock care. In 2013 he was admitted to James L. West Center for Dementia Care, where he resided until his death.

Jackie was well loved and cared for. He leaves to celebrate his life and legacy, his children: Marilyn Troy, Yvonne Henderson, LTC(Ret) Jacquelynn Fuller (Miguel), Curtis Brown (Judy), Pastor Kimberely Anderson (Pastor Gea), CW4(Ret)/Elder Sharon Kemp (CW4(Ret)/Elder Jubaba), Tracy Brown (Carmelitia) and Millicent Clark (Vince Sr.)

His grandchildren, who were the apples of his eye: Felecia, LaToya, Phillip (Natasha), Johnny (Stacy), Monai (Orlando), Sydney, Curtis, Cameron, Glennesha (Kevin), Shannon (Kristy), Amber, Vince Jr., Camilla, Ketera, Shanice, Mikayla, Jasmine, Kerrington, Zavier, KeLeah, Kennedy, Jamie. 17 Great-Grands: Ajayla, Natalie, Jaylen, Landon, Darien, London, Sapphira, Amiya, Paityn, Sofia, Skylar, Kayven, Maison, Micah, Mason, Vince III, and Kendall. His brother, Lawrence Brown (Clarice) and sister Shirley Brown, a special niece, Wanda Sneed (Pastor Willie) and a beloved family friend, Etheria Mae White. And a host of nieces & nephews, who affectionately knew him as Uncle Big Jackie.

GODSPEED, Daddy…