Presiding Elder Clarence Brown

      In humble submission to the will of God, we respectfully announce the earthly transition of Presiding Elder Clarence Brown, Sr., of Ebro, Florida, on June 21, 2023 in the Bay Medical Center of Panama City, Florida with his family by his side.  He was 91 years old and a lifelong native of Washington County, Florida. 

      Clarence Brown, Sr. was born October 7, 1931, to Deacon George Brown and Susie Douglas in Washington County. He was raised in a Christian home surrounded by love and laughter.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Arthur C. Brown (Ertis), John Milton Brown (Willie), Alexander Brown (Madie), Lorenzo Brown, Henry James Smith, Rebecca Brown, Vinna Peterson, Irene Reed, Hilda Burns, Vera Hicks (Arthur), Larcenia Faison and Ruby Lee Strickland (Levi).

      Clarence was destined to be a great man.  He was educated and reared in Washington County, FL.  His parents instilled a love of Christ and Family. His faith would lead him on his journey to serve the Lord as a minister.  While he preached his first sermon at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, he served three churches in the tri-state area, his last charge was True Holiness Church, Wausau, FL.  Presiding Elder Clarence Brown, Sr. was a devout prayer warrior, he could often be heard singing his favorite song, “I’m Coming Lord All by Myself” and then asking the question “Is that Alright”.

      Clarence had many happy moments in his life, the most cherished was the day he met and married his sweetheart, Fannie Andrews.  Their 62-year marriage was a shining example of true love and commitment. One of the children’s fondest memories was their weekly home bible study prior to Sunday School.  Each child had to memorize and recite a bible verse. To this union, they had eight children and adopted several ministerial children.  Clarence will be reunited with Fannie and their daughter MaeSandra Carswell.

      He was a hardworking man who provided for his family.  He taught his children unity, and often repeated this mantra “Together We Stand, divided we Fall”. In addition to pastoring full-time, he worked full-time on Tyndall Air Force Base, was a Stump Wooder and retired from Louisiana Pacific Sawmill as a Heavy Equipment Operator.  Clarence could operate any type of Heavy Equipment that he was placed on.

      Whether you knew him as Presiding Elder, Moose, Cash, Daddy, Grand Daddy, Uncle or Friend; you were always greeted with his smile and a loving conversation.

      Clarence’s memories will forever live with his children: Annie Doris Brown, Cloudie (Beverly) Brown, Clarence (Dayatra) Brown, Jr., Rudolph (Cozetta) Brown, Lois (Odis) Doyle, Milton (Genevelyn) Brown, and Patricia (Larry) Steele, a honorary son: Lonnie Andrews, a honorary daughter: Sandra Jackson; Brothers and Sisters: Willie James (Geraldine) Smith, Bass Smith, Willie (Betty) Brown, Leonard (Phyllis) Brown,  Vida Mae Campbell and Arlene Butler, Brother and Sisters-In-Law: Bishop John Andrews, Jerry Burns, Millie Jackson, Johnell Andrews, Eldiest Andrews, and Mary Esther Smith. He will always be a hero to his numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, cherished friends, and his loving nephew: Samuel (Emma) Peterson.

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