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Obituary for APOSTLE JOSEPH NATHAN BROWN
Portrait of Life"Joseph: A Man of Many Colors"The Bible records in the book of Genesis, chapter 37, verse 3 that Joseph (whose name means "adding", "dreamer") was favored by his father Jacob. The love and admiration of his father led to Joseph receiving a coat of many colors. Not only did this coat express the father's love, but it also expressed the son's abilities. Joseph was a dreamer, an interpreter of dreams, as well as a masterful administrator. Likened unto Joseph, our beloved Shepherd, Pastor and Friend, Apostle Joseph Nathan Brown, DD was blessed by God with an array of talents which he used skillfully for the perfecting of the saints, the work of the ministry, and the edifying of the body of Christ.Young master Joseph Nathan Brown was born the fourth of five children on May 10, 1942 to the late Senior Bishop Henry H. Brown and Mother Minnie Lee Brown. He was educated through the District of Columbia public school system and raised in a God fearing home. From a very young age, his Father captivated his attention and went on to teach him life changing lessons that would forever shape the student into the masterful teacher that he would become.The FamilyIt all started with a mutual friendship that blossomed at Cleveland Elementary School in Washington, DC. Seeing each other from time to time at church somehow just was not enough. Then finally, noticing one another on the opposite side of the gym as Cardoza and McKinley battled sealed the deal. Joe Nathan made up his mind that Pearlie Mae would be the one that he would share the rest of his life with. On Saturday, June 1st, 1961, Apostle took the hand of Shepherd Mother Pearlie M. (Ushry) Brown in matrimony. Together they formed a team second to none. Their love and dedication for one another has proved valuable to couples from both far and near. Apostle affectionately called Shepherd Mother, "Pumpkin". To see her adorned in Pink, accessorized to the "T", with a hat to fierce for any designer's run way was a staple throughout the corridors of 2300 Sixes Road, and Apostle Brown loved every minute of it..... Of this union, three children were born: Darryl Nathaniel, Cheryle Patriece (deceased), DeLethian LyVette, and one adopted daughter Dottie Mary Ann.2300 Sixes RoadThe place that became his home away from home, the place where he laid down his life for the members daily..... Apostle built upon the foundation laid by his father, Senior Bishop Henry H. Brown. He challenged the membership to strive for excellence with the understanding that "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him". From the Twilights, to the Brotherhood, from the Brotherhood to the Mothers Board, Apostle Brown carefully watched over each ministry with the love and passion of a "Good Shepherd". If we needed a bus driver, our Pastor was there. If we needed a Choir Director, our Pastor was there. If we needed a friend, our Pastor was there. The indelible mark left by "POP" on the lives of the members of 2300 Sixes Road will never be forgotten. The speeches at Easter, Christmas and Children's Day as the congregation sang "Yes Jesus Loves Me", WE WONT FORGET! The evening Anniversary services at 4:00PM as you led Praise and Worship, WE WON'T FORGET! The Bible study sessions where you would instruct us saying, "Don't tell me, tell them, I know!", WE WON'T FORGET! Everybody's Birthday Celebration held in the gymnasium or downstairs, BISHOP WE WON'T FORGET!DioceseAs a Diocesan, he served the state of Texas for over thirteen years providing spiritual leadership and guidance to the Pastors and officials of that jurisdiction. Following his tenure in Texas, he went on to succeed our late Founding Chief Apostle as Diocesan of the Capital Area Diocese, later renamed the Maryland Washington Metropolitan Area Diocese (MWMAD). During his tenure as Diocesan, Apostle Brown visited each District and Church inspiring the saints to continue in the things of God. In his capacity as Diocesan of MWMAD, Apostle was afforded the pleasure to work with such great men of God as the late Bishop Arthur L. Pressley, Apostle James Silver, and Apostle Floyd Nelson, Sr. He implemented an annual Pastor's and First Lady's Luncheon. During these festive occasions, parishioners honored the ministry gift(s) that God had given them according to his own heart. Forty-two (42) churches were recorded at the apex of the Diocese's growth.NationalApostle Brown served in various auxiliaries throughout the Bible Way Organization since its inception. He began his service to the national body as the first national Chaplain of the Young People\'s Department in 1957 and was later appointed to the Board of Evangelists in 1958. God granted our Apostle an extraordinary ability to manage and administer the affairs of the church. This God given ability was noticed by the late Founding Chief Apostle Bishop Smallwood E. Williams, DD who appointed him as the General Treasurer and a member of the Executive Board of Bishops (1981). Along with the office of Treasurer, he occupied integral positions within the organization that included but were not limited to: Chairman of the Board of District Elders, Supervisor of the National Registration, Supervisor of the National Exhibits, and Vice Chairman of the Convention/Council Coordinating Committee. Apostle Brown was later elevated to the Office of First Vice Presiding Bishop of the Bible Way Churches World Wide. He was blessed to serve as First Vice Presider under the administration of Apostles Lawrence G. Campbell and Huie L. Rogers. In doing so, he assisted both of these great men of God in overseeing the affairs of the church with the intent of building an organization conducive to expanding the gospel of Jesus Christ. In 2002, the Lord saw fit to elevate then Bishop Joseph N. Brown, DD to the Office of Apostle. Apostle Brown served in this capacity until his transition from this life into the presence of God.CommunityThroughout his ministry, our Apostle has been a driving force in the community both at the State and Local levels. His contributions toward the empowerment of the community include: Member of the Calvert County School Board, Member of the Maryland State Comptroller's Committee, Advisor to the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners, former Member of the Governor's Task Force, and past Chaplain of the Calvert County Sheriff's Department.The RemnantThe Apostle leaves to cherish his memories: His darling wife Shepherd Mother Pearlie M. Brown; Children: Pastor Darryl Brown, Sr. (Greater Grace, Louisburg, NC), Co-Pastor Dottie Mary Ann Stewart (Stanley) (Tabernacle of Refuge Ministries, Annapolis, MD), Evangelist Selena Maxine Brown, and Co-Pastors Neil & DeLethian L. Gross; Grand Children: Tiara Terry (Cedric), Hans Brown, Darryl Brown, Jr., Diamond Brown, Catriece Brown, Josh Brown, Malique Gross, Jarid Brown, Johans Brown, Malaysia Johnson, Damian Parker, Cartier McKenzie, William Broome, Jr., Leonard Commodore, Jr.; Great Grandson: Caleb Terry; Sisters: Valerie Wallace, Lorraine Peaton; Cousins: Ethel Pratt, Crystal Pratt, Charlotte Pratt, Mandell Pratt, Benny Warren, and Faithlyn Hazel; Nieces: Khia Proctor, Brittney Danials, and Alexis Danials; Nephews: Ervin Brown, Craig Ushry, and Troy Young; In-Laws: Mother Ola Ushry, Theresa Brown, Sharon Daniels (Randall), Cody Ushry, Jr., Calvin Ushry (Louise), and Judy Ushry. Household Technicians: Rosemary Johnson, and Lillie Commodore. God Children: Pamela Moses, Yolanda Gantt, Desheia Claggett, Tyre Awkward & Semaj Wills. Caregivers: Leonard Commodore, Sr., Myrna Johnson, and Woodrow Wallace, Jr. and the entire Greater Bible Way Church, 2300 Sixes Road Family!To see Apostle Brown's funeral service go to http://webcasts.lifetributes.com/132419
Cemetery:
Greater Bible Way Church 2300 Sixes Road Prince Frederick, MD 20678 (map/driving directions)
Visitation:
12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Greater Bible Way Church 2300 Sixes Road Prince Frederick, MD 20678 on Thursday, April 8, 2010 (map/driving directions)9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Bible Way Temple 1100 New Jersey Avenue NW Washington, DC 20001 on Friday, April 9, 2010 (map/driving directions)
Service:
6:00 PM at Greater Bible Way Church 2300 Sixes Road Prince Frederick, MD 20678 on Thursday, April 8, 2010 (map/driving directions)10:00 AM at Bible Way Temple 1100 New Jersey Avenue NW Washington, DC 20001 on April 9, 2010 (map/driving directions)