CHAPLAIN JOHN THOMAS BROWN, 82, passed away peacefully August 3, 2010 at Senatobia Convalescent in Senatobia, MS. Chaplain Brown was born October 3, 1927 to John Thomas Brown, Sr. and Orpha Lorraine Ives Gill Brown of the Parkburg Community, Pinson, TN. His twin brother, George Thomas Brown passed away in early infancy. Chaplain Brown surrendered to the ministry at age 12. On November 4, 1944, he was licensed to preach. He graduated from Malesus High School in 1945. He served his country in the Army Corps of Engineers from 1945-1947. During his service, he was honored to be a part of the Manhattan Project at White Sands, NM. Chaplain Brown married Gwendyl Joy Collins on April 3, 1948. Joy was the love of his life. She preceded him in death March 28, 2005. Chaplain Brown was a graduate of Union University, Jackson, TN, where he received a B.A. in Religion and Pastoral Care in 1952. He later received a Masters of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary in 1967. During his ministry, Chaplain Brown, pastored churches in West Tennessee, including Galloway Baptist in Galloway, Union Baptist and Ebenezer Baptist in Bolivar, First Baptist-Hornsby, First Baptist Grand Junction, First Baptist-Bruceton and Levi/Westwood Baptist-Memphis. He last pastored Southwest Baptist in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. From there Chaplain Brown was called to serve in Chaplain Service. He received endorsement from the Southern Baptist Home Mission Board. He served as Chief of Chaplains Service from the Veterans Administration in Ft. Howard, MD for 23 years. He retired in 1995. Chaplain Brown is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Linda Cecille Brown DeBerry and William Wallace DeBerry and their son, his beloved grandson, John Wallace DeBerry all of Olive Branch; his sister-in-law and her husband, Patsy Elizabeth Collins Moore and Joe G. Moore of Jackson, TN. Many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Chaplain Brown was also preceded in death by his parents, brothers Albert and Guy Brown; Harold and Fred Gill; sisters, Lois Brown Wilson Cearley, Sue Matey and Sarah Anderson. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, August 6 at Brantley Funeral Home in Olive Branch, MS, with the service 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home followed by a service at 2:30 p.m. at Parkburg Baptist Church in Pinson, TN with burial in the church cemetery. Memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church in Nesbit, MS, Parkburg Baptist Church in Pinson, TN or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Brantley Funeral Home
(662)895-2310
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