Harvey Earl Brown

February 24, 2019

Harvey Earl Brown passed away on February 24, 2019.

“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” (Deuteronomy 5:16) What better way to describe the life of Harvey Brown. Loved by many, he was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend to many for almost ten decades.

Born March 31, 1919, he grew up in eastern North Carolina, as the son of a Baptist preacher and attended Wake Forest College before moving to Charlotte, where he met and married his wife, Elvas Almond Brown. Together they raised five children, all born at Presbyterian Hospital, where Elvas had received her education as a Registered Nurse. The five children have given them nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. These three generations remained the love of Harvey’s life through his final days.

Harvey and Elvas moved to Charlotte, NC and became members of First Baptist Church in the 1940s and remained members until their deaths. He served in many capacities within the church including Bible teacher, Sunday School Director, and most significantly as a deacon, serving and showing others how to serve by his example. In his later years, he regularly attended the Southern Baptist Convention annual meetings and he also served on various North Carolina Baptist Convention committees with his friend Walter Mills. As a long-time senior member of First Baptist, he was regarded as a friend and counselor by many of the pastors at First Baptist until his death.

Harvey was predeceased by his wife, Elvas; his parents, Arthur Lewis Brown and Eva Brown; his brother, Arthur, and three sisters, Edith Dail, Lula McKeithan, and Martha Willis. He is survived by his five children, Edith Edney and husband, Larry, Frances Yohman and husband, Ed, Joyce Jolley and husband, Steve, Harvey Brown, Jr. and wife, Carla, and Ruth Brown; nine grandchildren, Richard Edney, Jonathan Edney and wife, Rebecca, Megan Yohman, Ashley Yohman, Stephanie Mitchell and husband, Shaka, Drew Jolley and wife, Meg, Emily Brown, Jeremy Brown and wife, Lauren and Christina Brown; nine great-grandchildren, Benjamin Edney, Matthew Edney, Gabriella Edney, Emma Ruth Mitchell, Hadassah Joy Mitchell, Vera Salem Mitchell, Autumn Brown, Shiloh Brown and August Brown; his sister, Myrtle Watson and brother, Robert (Bob) Brown. He was loved and will be missed by many, many more extended family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at First Baptist Church, 301 S. Davidson St. in Charlotte. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arthur Lewis Brown Family Student Aid Fund https://www.sebts.edu/alumni-and-friends/friends/arthur-lewis.aspx . Any checks can be made to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 120 S. Wingate St, Wake Forest, NC 27587 and include in the memo line Arthur Lewis Brown Fund.  

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

 

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  • Grace George Stanley

    My deepest sympathy to each of you. May memories of him always bring a smile to your face and comfort your heart. During this difficult time, please know that God is our refuge and strength. (Psalms 46: 1) - I have so many fond memories of Mr. Brown growing up at FBC.

  • Don and Sharon Bickel

    So sorry to hear about Harvey, Sr. Sharon and I so enjoyed talking with him at the UNC Charlotte games. Quality man and such a strong legacy he has left.

  • Ronald Barbee

    Have known Mr. Brown since early 70's. He was the same man when last I was with him in January as he was when first I met him. Humble and Christ follower. May God's peace comfort all his love ones at this difficult time.

  • Chuck Boyte

    Ruth, my God continue to bless you and your family during this most difficult time. While it is comforting to know your father has reached his destiny, it is hard for those left behind to imagine life without such a great influence in their lives, but know, he will always be with you and your family until you meet again. My sincere condolences.

  • Bobby Willis

    Certainly is a sad time for all of us left behind but, what a glorious time in Heaven. BIG!!! Happy reunion. May Gods comforting hand be upon you.

  • Barbara Besemann

    Thanking God you all have such beautiful comfort in the grace filled life of your father.
    Surely he will have a Crown of Faithfulness to lay at the feet of Jesus! Praying for precious
    moments together and safe travel back to us. bb

  • Russ Watkins

    My prayers are with Ruth and her family during this trying time. May Peace Be With You!

  • Homer & Deenie McKeithan

    Our love & prayers to all Uncle Harvey’s family.

  • Rick Simi

    Harvey Brown is a shining example of what it is to be a "Christian". I am thankful that God brought us together in friendship and fellowship. I will always remember him as a man of great conviction but also a man full of the grace of God. It was my privilege to have known such a great guy. He was a testament to the promise of Jesus that, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."

    "Oh death where is thy sting, oh grave where is thy victory?" Certainly not here!! May you all be comforted in the knowledge that Harvey is with Jesus and we will see him again!! Oh the Blessed Christian promise of everlasting/eternal life!!

  • Dean and Janice Herndon

    What a legacy your dad is leaving behind, Brown family. He is so enjoying the fruits of his labor now in the arms of Jesus. What a servant! God bless you all as you mourn his passing.

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