On Tuesday, September 8, 1925, in Rentiesville, Oklahoma, a baby boy was born to Florence Celess and Willie Mack Brown Sr. His parents named him Henry James.

Henry grew up on a farm in McIntosh County, Oklahoma. He began his Christian life at Mayever Green Baptist Church. He changed his membership in 1942 to New Hope Baptist Church and was ordained as a Deacon in the mid 1950's. He served in many capacities in his church. He loved to sing and his favorite song was "Guide Me Over Thy Great Jehovah."

Henry enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 18. He served from September 1943 to January 1946. He was a cook aboard the USS Menefee, a transport ship in World War II.

Henry became acquainted with Minerva "Pat" Logan after his honorable discharge from the US Navy. He took his time in winning Pat's heart, and on January 17, 1949, they became husband and wife. Henry and Pat had three sons, Ray Evan, Ricky Vaughn and Henry James Jr., and one daughter, Patricia Ann.

Henry became a member of the Lone Oak Masonic Lodge in 1957. He enjoyed storytelling, traveling and his family.

Henry James Brown Sr. never met a stranger. It didn't matter what type of function you were attending, you knew if Henry was present.

Henry was a dedicated construction worker retiring from Manhattan Construction in 1988.

After 94 years, Henry closed his eyes on this side, and woke up in Glory, on Monday evening, September 16, 2019. His beloved wife, Minerva, daughter, Lena B. Adebiyi; sisters, Helen B. Keyes, Thelma R. Hytche; brothers, Esau, Samuel, Willie Jr., Everett Donaldson, and Daniel Sr. proceeded him in death.

He leaves in God's care, cherishing his memory;  his children Ray (Connie) Brown of Locust Grove, Oklahoma,  Ricky [Jacqueline] of Norman, Oklahoma,  Patricia Robinson of Oklahoma City and  Henry (Michelle) Brown of New Hope community in Oktaha, Oklahoma; his sisters, Essie M. White, Naomi E. Walker and Jeweline Jones, all of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his sister-in-law, Jewelene Brown of Des Moines, Iowa; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great nephews, his church family and friends.

The Sacred Farewell for Mr. Brown will be on Monday, September 23, 2019 at 11:00 AM in the most Holy sanctuary of the New Hope Baptist Church.  Reverend Michael Logan, Pastor, will officiate and Reverend Milton Colbert will deliver the Eulogy.   Entombment will follow in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Muskogee with Navy Honors.

You may visit Deacon Brown, as he slumbers in peaceful repose at the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., on Sunday from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM