Clarence Brown

Deacon Clarence “Lightning” Brown, a native and resident of Schriever, was born to the union of James Jr. and Laura Ingram Brown on April 10, 1953. He was the first born of nine children. On August 11, 2023, Clarence, age 70, went to be with the Lord.

Visitation and funeral services will be observed on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 10:00AM at New Magnolia Baptist Church 427 Hwy 311 Schriever, LA 70395. Burial will be observed at the Veteran National Cemetery. 

Clarence dedicated his life to God at an early age and was baptized at New Magnolia Baptist Church. During his school years, Clarence was one of the early brave pioneers of school integration in the south. He had many skills and talents. Clarence’s love for jazz music led him to play trumpet in his school band. Upon graduation from Terrebonne High School in 1971, Clarence enlisted in the US Navy and got to see many new places across the world while serving his country. After his military service, Clarence began his career in the oil industry. In 1983 Clarence married Gay Devezin and this union had two wonderful sons, Wilfred and Dontrell Brown. Later in life, Clarence desired higher learning. He enrolled and graduated from Southern University at New Orleans. After graduation he transitioned into a government service position. He worked at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in New Orleans and retired from a supervisory role in 2020.Clarence impacted our lives in many positive ways. As an ambassador for Christ, Clarence was a member of the Usher board before a becoming a Deacon at New Magnolia Baptist Church. He also was a Sunday School teacher. He had a special way of connecting with people. He liked to lend a helping hand to those in need and to share words of wisdom and encouragement that made a difference in people’s lives. His joyful and contagious laughter brought a lot of happiness and positivity to those around him. He enjoyed outdoor activities and caring for his dog, Deebo. Clarence could be found on most days hanging out with family and friends, fishing every chance he got, watching our beloved New Orleans Saints football team, boiling tasty seafood that always drew a crowd, and grilling foods of all types.

Clarence leaves to cherish his memory his two sons, Wilfred (Erryn) Brown and Dontrell Brown. His former wife, Gay Brown. Grandchildren, Parker and Grayson Brown and Daehuan Vincent. Brother, Daniel (Cathy) Brown. Sisters, Joyce (Frank) Everson, Betty (Allen) Jones, Sandra (Ronald) King, Tabitha (Kirby) Brown, and Lakechie Turnipseed. Brother-in-law Izeal Johnson. Godmother Daisy Harris and Godchildren Helena Trahan and Tracy Drane. Devoted friend, Jolene Smith. Host of relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents James Jr and Laura Brown. One sister, Doris Brown Johnson. One brother Gerald “Jerry” Brown. Paternal grandparents Rev. James Sr and Alma Prevost Brown. Maternal grandparents Sullivan Sr. and Urcel Reed Ingram.