Deacon Bernard Brown Obituary in Wadesbaro at Smith's Funeral Home

Obituary For Deacon Bernard Brown

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.

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RHA HEALTH SERVICES LLC CLEAR sent Eternal Peace Basket for Deacon Bernard Brown - August 07, 2024

RHA is extending our deepest sympathies for The Little & Brown Family. May you find peace and comfort during this time.
Sincerely, RHA Health Services

Send flowers for Deacon Bernard Brown

Bernard "Brute" Brown was one of the most humble, honest, hard working Christian family men I've ever known! I knew him all my life but really got to know him when he went to work at W.R. BONSAL Gravel & Sand Co. May God rest his soul and fill his family, friends, former coworkers and Church with precious memories of happier times! Love, prayers, hugs and positive thoughts for all concerned. He will be sorely missed! Rest high upon that hill Brute. I was honored to call you my friend for over 50 years. #LilesvilleWEEPS #PeeDeeWEEPS
T Wayne Murdock, Wadesboro

God has picked another beautiful soul from this earth. Bernard was a Loveable person and was concerned about others I remember when I will be at his mother house he would stop by the house every morning before he would go to work to make sure his Mother and Dad and even his Aunt was ok and see if they need anything or if they need him to do anything for them before he would go to work.Bernard was A very respectful man of God I'm going to miss him dearly!! Bernard take your sweet rest from your labors you have fought a good fight of faith.My deepest condolences to the Family 🙏🏼🙏🏼💙😇

My deepest condolences to the Brown Family. We're praying God's peace over the family.
Edna Liles Maddox

Dearest Priscilla and family, our hearts are with you, as well as our love, prayers and sympathy. Brute, as we affectionately call him, will live forever in our hearts. He was such a humble and kind man. One who loved his family and his Saviour with all his heart. A friend to many. We have so many wonderful memories of years working together at W R Bonsal, Mining Division. We were so honored to celebrate Brute's birthday's with you all. May God hold each of you close through the many days ahead and may you feel the peace and comfort of knowing you will see him again one day. We thank God for Brute and for the friendship, respect and love we shared. God bless you all, Beemie & Debbie Gilmore

My condolences to the family praying 🙏

Lydia Allen

Sending my condolences to the Brown family and the Pee Dee community. Love and hugs to all of you. Vivian Lindsey (Robinson)

To the family of Mr. Bernard Brown and to his sister Winnie May God continue to keep the family in His Loving care. I will continue to keep the family in my prayers. Rosa Wall-Little & Family

Sending my deepest condolences to the Brown Family . Bernard will be missed . -Jeanette little

Sending my deepest condolences to the Brown Family . Bernard will be missed . -Diane and Sabrina Robinson.

The world has lost a good man, and you have lost a brother. This is a loss for all of us, but the grief and sorrow that you feel are the deepest and most poignant and personal. Please reach out if there's any way we can help.