When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrow like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, “It is well with my soul.” Tho, satan should buffet, tho, trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul. “It is well with my soul.” And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, The cloud be rolled back as a scroll, The trump shall resound, And the Lord shall descend and even so, “It is well with my soul.”

Bernard Brown was born September 5, 1946, in Anson County to the late Jesse Albert Brown and Winnie Jane Crowder Brown. On May 15, 2024, Brown, as we so often called him, let us know that his departure was soon to come. On Monday, August 5th, at the Haven in Richmond County, he peacefully answered God’s call as Ja’kira(granddaughter) sang “Give Me You,” the song that he found so much joy in any time he heard her sing.

At an early age, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and joined Womble Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, where, under the leadership of the late Carl Robinson and the late Willie James Dawkins, he walked as close as he could in their footsteps, serving as Sunday School Superintendent, Preacher’s Stewart, Trustee, Class Leader, Choir Member and most of all a servant of God. He was instrumental in the building and remodeling of Womble Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church and remained faithful until it temporarily closed in August 2007. Seeing the need of the members’ desire to come out of bondage and to have the freedom to follow God’s instructions, he contacted Rev. Bernice Johnson and asked if she would be willing to become our pastor (which she was only doing what was already predestined) she accepted. January 2016, God blessed us with our little church on the hill, Pee Dee Church of Deliverance, where he served as Deacon, Chairman of the Trustee Board, Sunday School Superintendent, Finance Committee, and once again, whatever and wherever he was needed. No matter whether it was at Womble Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church or Pee Dee Church of Deliverance, he loved his pastors and the church, always wanting the best for all.

He was educated at the School House in Pee Dee (which is still standing) and Henry Grove School in Lilesville, NC, where he graduated in 1964. Upon completing high school, his summer job with Pee Dee Orchards/Chesley Green became his full-time job. He later decided to follow in the footsteps of his Uncle Hubert Crowder. He began employment with W. R. Bonsal in Lilesville, which later became Old Castle, where, upon its closing, Brut, as he was called there, retired.

On Sunday, August 31, 1986, he married Priscilla Anderson Little.

Deacon Brown was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Ida Brown Lilly, his son, Anthony Bernard Brown, grandchildren, Devante Little, Demond Little, Jr., and two beautiful angels.

To cherish his fond memories are his wife, Priscilla, of the home; children, Johnathan Brown, Reading, PA, Debra Brown Thompson, Ozark, AL, Robert Brown, Greensboro, NC, Demond Little (Adriana) Jackson, GA, Lytonylua Little, Lilesville, NC, Saquanica Little Brown, Ellerbe, NC: one sister, Winnie Margaret Brown Holt (Frank) Lilesville, NC; two brothers, Reginald Buckman (Sheila) Lilesville, NC, Tommy Spencer (Kitty) High Point, NC; one sister-in-law, Jannie Hines, Viera, FL; 15 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

The Homegoing Services will be on Saturday, August 10, 2024, 12:00 noon, in the Chapel of Smith's Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Robinson Family Cemetery, Lilesville, North Carolina.

The Brown Family will greet family and friends at the residence.

The public viewing will be on Friday, August 9, 2024 from 3:30-6:00pm.