Willie James Brown

Willie James Brown was born Aug. 27, 1950, in Blytheville to Theodis Brown Sr. and Annie Mae Brown. He was a 1969 graduate of Steele High School. He worked for Delta Spindle, Agrice, and William Freepoint Macmoran and then he became a master welder for Terra and Systems where he trained many to become great welders. Although Mr. Brown never obtained a college degree he was a strong supporter of education and even trained college students.

He was saved at an early age and strongly believed in his Lord Jesus Christ. Having been raised in the church he was a strong leader and member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church until his health failed. He will be most remembered for being the chairman on the deacon board and he sung for many years with the Superior Angels. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Theodis and Annie Mae Brown; his sisters, Peggy Brown, Lula Kie, Dollie Brown and Ethel Brown; one brother, Bishop W.C. Brown, all from St. Louis, Ill.; and his favorite aunt, Mattie Brown of Chicago, Ill.

He leaves to forever cherish his memories to his wife of 52 years, Billie J. Brown of the home; one son, Bishop Gregory (Charlette) Brown of Osceola; one daughter, Dena Kaye (Tony) Scott of Aubrey, Texas; five grandchildren, Chanda Scott of Houston, Texas, Teanna and Tianna Howard of Aubrey, Texas, Gregory A. Brown of Osceola, Taryn Scott of Aubrey, Texas; one great-granddaughter, Tamia Knowles of Aubrey, Texas; one brother, Theodis Brown II of Madison, Ill.; as well as a host of aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends and an honorable cousin, Dorothy Davis.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 12, from 5-8 p.m. at Mt. Moriah MB Church. The funeral will be held Saturday, May 13, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Moriah MB Church. Burial will be held at Memory Gardens in Blytheville with Bishop Gregory L. Brown officiating. Wilson Funeral Home in Blytheville oversees the arrangements.