Milton Sylvester Brown, Jr. entered into eternal rest on November 21, 2025 at the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
He was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the only child of Milton S. Brown, Sr. and Ida Mae (Blue) Brown.
Milton was a graduate of William Penn High School class of 1964. He received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Counseling from Penn State University.
Milton’s first loves were serving and leading people from all walks of life to Christ and of course his beloved family which he adored.
It was not uncommon for him to get up and rush to someone’s bedside if they were sick or someone in need of prayer or counseling no matter the time of Day or night. He was a true family Patriarch.
In 1993 he was ordained with the Churches of God Eastern Regional Conference where he faithfully served at Trinity, Solid Rock, Plainfield, Yocumtown and Wormleysburg Churches of God.
Prior to ministry, Milton had a passion for music and was a self taught gifted musician. He was a member of the 1960’s music group “The Emperors” which were inducted into the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame in 2021. He also managed the local Harrisburg band “Positive Force” in the late 70’s with their hit “We Got The Funk” with Sugar Hill Records.
Milton leaves to cherish so many beautiful memories, his wife, Rebecca Brown; his children, Kevin K. Nauss (Stephanie), Lisa L. Rainey (Thomas), Yvonne R. Drake (John) and Janine L. Flanagan; his grandchildren, Kevin, Sydney, Noah, Morgan and Patrick; his great grandchildren, Keviah, Kamryn, Kayson and Zayn, all of Harrisburg; his grandson, Kodi Flanagan preceded him in death in 2017.
Milton will be so dearly missed by his family, extended family and friends, all of his church families and all he touched with his genuine love and faithful service.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 9th at 6:30 pm with family visitation at 6:00 pm at the Swatara Church of God; 4860 Lindle Road, Harrisburg.
Elesha A Bridgers sent Ocean Devotion for Reverend Milton Brown, Jr. - December 08, 2025
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of long time Friend and Mentor wen we live on a forth street May you Rest easy my Friend my Deepest condolences to the family 🙏 may you find peace and comfort.
I will always remember Pastor Browns kind and gentle way. He and Becka was a good friend to me and helped me know Jesus even more closely than I thought I could. I miss both of them.Becka you are in my prayers.
Sorry of your loss family. He always treated me right.
Dear Rebecca, I am so sorry to hear of Milton's passing. But praise be to God that he was promoted to heaven, and of our hope of reunion with him in glory some day. I'm sorry to have missed his memorial service, but I only just learned of his passing today. My love and sympathy go out to you and your family. Much love, Sharon Keebaugh
Giving honor to our most high God. I send my deepest condolences to Becca, & all of Milton's immediate & extended family. My heart aches that I just found out about his passing. I would have definitely been at his home going service had I known. He was a great man of God & I know where he is right now & that he's better off than us all left here on earth. The lives that he's touched & guided, including mine, has added many jewels to his crown in heaven. He was my cousin & pastor for many years & I loved him dearly. He will be sorely missed.
My prayers and condolences to the family. We go way back in the day he was a nice guy he will be miss very much.
Sending my deepest condolences to the family. Rest in Paradise Bro. Milton.
I send condolences, on behalf of all the Brown and Fulton relatives, and "The Emperors." Also, I'm praying that God will send His peace and His comfort, to all of Milton's family, his other relatives and friends. I thank God for the life of my cousin Milton, for the love, the music, and the special memories we shared. I will miss you, Milton! I pray God's blessings be with you all. In Christian Love, Bobby Fulton
I send condolences, on behalf of all the Brown and Fulton relatives, and "The Emperors." Also, I'm praying that God will send His peace and His comfort, to all of Milton's family, his other relatives and friends. I thank God for the life of my cousin Milton, for the love, the music, and the special memories we shared. I will miss you, Milton! I pray God's blessings be with you all. In Christian Love, Bobby Fulton
Dear, Kevin, Vonnie, Lisa, Janine and Ms. Rebecca,
We were heartbroken to learn of Pastor Brown's passing. He brought so much warmth and wisdom into our lives. I'll always remember when were we going through a tough time, and we will always be grateful for the prayers, advice and support he shared with us. During this hard time, please know that you are not alone; We are thinking of you all and may you find comfort in the love of those around you and in the precious memories you hold dear. If you need anything at all, we are just a call or a message away.
With heartfelt sympathy, Pearre, Rosalyn, Miles and Nick Dean
To Von & Family, Sending our thoughts, prayers and condolences to you all. I pray that God continues to give you the strength to get through the days ahead. Mr. Milton was a nice man and he will be missed. Rest in Heavenly peace, Mr. Milton. We love y'all. Jeannie Franklin-Woodward & Family
To Mrs. Rebecca Brown, Kevin, Lisa, Vonne, Janine, and the entire family and friends.
I will always cherish the memory of our beloved Pastor, affectionately known as "Pops." He had this incredible gift for offering a timely spiritual word of advice that felt like a direct message from above, paired with strong words of encouragement that lifted us through our darkest days. Whether it was a quiet conversation after service or a bold sermon that stirred our souls, Pops reminded us of God's unwavering love and strength. Rest in peace, "Pops"—you've run the race and finished well. I'm holding the entire family in my prayers during this difficult time, asking God to surround you with His comfort and peace (Psalm 34:18).
My deepest condolences to the family. Rest in heaven my friend
My heartfelt condolences to Yvonne, Lisa, Janine, Kevin and Ms. Rebecca on the passing of Mr. Milton. I know how much he was loved and adored by all of you and your families. May all of the wonderful memories of him remain etched in your hearts forever. Continue to love each other and may his kindness, mercy and grace be with each of you.
With love, Paulette, James and family.
I haven't seen him since his days as pastor of solid rock church of God on river and vine street, he was a talented pianist, a great orator and a perfect example of what a good strong leader is. He will forever be in my heart and the hearts of everyone that got to know him personally, Rebecca, Tommy, Lisa, may God continue to bless you and may heaven smile upon you
Sending prayers and condolences from The Cobb Family
I am so sorry for your loss.
My heart felt Condolences to the Brown family at this time of loss of your dear loved one ! To his Wife children and grandchildren! Another Angel has received his wings 🙏🏽🪽🦋
Milton's (Papa Brown) death is a gigantic loss for all who knew him. We sat under him as our Pastor at Plainfield. He was our friend and pastor. He loved the Lord and preached the word. He was sincere and was always about your needs and not his own. He will be missed by many. We loved he and Becca. So many happy memories of his life we have hidden in our minds and hearts. Pastor Brown you are now preaching to the saints in heaven. Love to your family left behind to carry on without you. They will be in our prayers in the days to come. You will always be Heather's Papa Brown. Barb Adams, Heather, Jay, Leah and Allison Bear
Sending heartfelt prayers to The Brown Family. I met Milton later in life and had the honor of finding out he was my dad's cousin. From that day forward he was Uncle Milton. I had the pleasure of attending church where Milton ministered and filled the souls of his congregation with God's word. Milton was truly a man of God. His wisdom and grace definitely will be a memory of mine. You don't find genuine people like him. Milton was mild spoken with few words, however, every word was a word I needed and received at the right time. Sending my love and condolences to his family. I know for sure Milton is in the arms of his Heavenly Father. May his legacy continue to bring his family together by loving each other the way he loved the Lord.
Rest in Peace Milton
Blessed to have Milton in my life. Too many memories... We honor the passing of my longtime friend (7 decades) and music collaborator Pastor Milton Brown, Jr. many memories and time spent with me on the phone and visiting here on California. For all those that remember Milton know he was a talented fun person that kept his family and friends close. Rest in Peace until we meet again...♥️💯🌈🌹
Hold on to your memories. God will strengthen you and he will help you during this time and always. God Bless
The first time Paster Brown came into my life was eighteen years ago. My four month old daughter was in desperate need of prayer, and a good friend of mine called him and he came to the hospital. Didn't even know me and prayed over my daughter. As soon as you walked in the hospital, I saw a glowing light over him, and I knew he had spiritual powers. I know pastor brown is in his eternal home that he made here on earth and prepared himself to see the glory of God, and I'm sure it's more beautiful than what he could have imagined on earth. Rest in peacefull. Enjoy your eternal home. Well done my faithful servant.
We are very thankful that we met Pastor Brown on our first night at the church with the 2000 Nativity Scene Drive Through and later met Rebecca, that night He invited us to church. He was so caring and bringing us closer to God and with his help in 2002, Tom and I were married through his blessings. Sending our Prayers to give you and your families strength and comfort to get through this difficult time, amen. Heartfelt Sympathy with Love and Hugs to Rebecca and family. He will truly be missed. Well Done Pastor Brown and now rest in Peace! Tom and Ella
I'll never forget all the wonderful memories!! I'll always love you, uncle!! Denise
Milton was one of the most gentle men I knew. He was always willing to listen and bring Jesus light into any darkness. He was a life changed by Christ! And boy could he sing! To Rebecca---well done faithful one--you took care of him beautifully!! Sending prayers to the whole family!
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.