Retired MSGT Henry Brown

Obituary For Retired MSGT Henry Brown

Good Morning, Good Morning, Good Morning!

USAF Master Sergeant (MSgt) Henry Brown was born on June 30, 1932, in Houston County, Alabama, to the late Vick Brown and Eliza Lettinhand Brown. He had three brothers, Lewis, Walter, and George, and two sisters, Lucille and Catherine. He peacefully passed away, surrounded by his family, on June 15, 2025.

Henry grew up in Cypress, Florida, and accepted Christ at an early age.

He received his education at the old Jackson County Training School in Marianna, Florida. Afterwards, he joined the United States Air Force in 1951, retiring as a proud Master Sergeant in 1977. Henry traveled all over the world during his 26 years of honorable service to our country. For his bravery and heroic military service during the Vietnam War, Henry was awarded the Purple Heart medal, which is the oldest military award still given to U.S. military members who have been wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. military. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 16 years.

Although Henry resided in Summerville, South Carolina, for many years, he later re-dedicated his life to the service of God at his hometown church, Bethel M.B.C., in Cypress, Florida.

Henry was the patriarch of the Brown, Youngblood, Street, Patterson, Lettinhand Family. He had an infectious smile and a great sense of humor. He was a dedicated and loving family man, who was always there for his wife, his five kids, his grandkids, his siblings, and the list could go on and on. He loved playing cards, swimming, visiting state parks, and attending family reunions. He was a real driver, and he would not hesitate to hit the road at the drop of a dime, if duty called. His legacy will live on in our hearts forever.

He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Lucille Franklin (the late William Hillman Franklin) of Graceville, FL, and Catherine Alexander of Framingham, MA; and his three brothers, Lewis Brown (the late Cora Mae Brown) of Oceanside, CA, and Walter Brown and George Brown, both of Cypress, FL.

Henry leaves behind to cherish in his memory: a loving and devoted wife, Juanita Brown, with whom he shared many fulfilling years; three sons, Jerrod Brown (ex-wife, Tracie Dutton) of Lacey, WA; grandchildren, Janell Brown, Terrell Brown, and Marcell Brown, all of Lacey, WA, Senior Airman Jarrell Brown of Ft. Gordon, Augusta, GA, and Melanie Brown of Baltimore, MD; great-grandson, Jariah Brown of Lacey, WA; son, Kenneth Brown (Maria) of Moreno Valley, CA; grandchildren, Gabrielle Mills of Summerville, SC, Samantha Brown of Los Angeles, CA, Kenneth Brown, Jr., of Moreno Valley, CA; son Cletis Avery (Brenzena), of Snellville, GA; grandchildren, Alexis Avery, Cletis Avery II, Jordan Avery, all of Snellville, GA, Shanta Williams of Biloxi, MS; great-grandchildren, John Williams, Joseph Williams, and Lillian Williams, all of Biloxi, MS; two daughters, Vincy Porter of Clermont, FL; grandchild, Leslie Gaines (Cedric) of Clermont, FL; great-grandchildren, Jasmine Gaines and Brandon Gaines, both of Clermont, FL; daughter Linda Simmons of Marianna, FL; grandchild, Candice Brooks (Ta-Ni) of Tampa, FL; great-grandchildren, Allarius Russ, Lance Corporal Adrian Isaac, Jon’Asia Brooks, and Kay’Lona Brooks, all of Tampa, FL; sisters-in-law, Geneva Brown and Dorothy Brown, both of Cypress, FL, Zelma High Holliday, GA, Francine High, SC, Loretta High, SC, and Helen High, AL.; brothers-in-law, Calvin High (Alma), SC, Nathan High (Shirley), VA, and Howard Hall, NC; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and dear friends.

Memorial Celebration of Life for Henry Brown will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 12:00 noon at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Cypress, Fl with Rev. Dr. David Cobb, (Presiding Pastor), Pastor Edward Franklin, and Bishop Dr. Curtis L. Williams officiating.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery with full military honors performed by the 325th Fighter Wing Base Honor Guard of Tyndall AFB, FL.