Henry Brown

Henry Vernon Brown (97) was born on February 10, 1927 in Barlow, Alabama. He went to his heavenly home on February 1, 2025, at Washington County Nursing Home. He was born to Henry Grady Brown and Annie Lois Moss Brown in Barlow, Alabama. He was the second of five boys Kendrick Brown (Ida Pearl), Robert (Carolyn), Gilmer (Naomi), and William (Glennie). Mr. Brown was a dedicated family man who was married to Janice F. Murphy Brown for nearly 50 years until her death in 2006. They had 2 children Kenneth Henry Brown (Henrietta W. Brown) and Kimberly B. Miller. Mr. Brown stepped in to be a father figure to his granddaughters Jessica Miller Bowman (Nicholas R. Bowman) and Laura Miller. He never hesitated to offer help and advice to those he loved. He loved what he called frolicking with his granddaughters and great-grandchildren (as long as he was able) which meant getting on the floor with them and letting them crawl on him until everyone was laughing and joyful. He cherished teaching his children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to love the land. He enjoyed telling stories of times gone by and was a prankster in his younger years.

He was a proud graduate of Millry High School and Livingston University. Henry worked as a teacher for 34 years. Most of those years were spent in the Mobile County Public School System. He also taught in Washington County. Mr. Brown raised chickens for Marshall Durbin for many years. He also produced cows along with the chickens and was proud of the improvements he made to the land he inherited from his father.

Henry was a long-time supporter and member of Chatom United Methodist Church where he enjoyed participating in Sunday School, congregational singing, and worship. Prior to becoming a member at Chatom United Methodist he was a member of Barlow United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School and served as Treasurer for many years.

Henry is preceded in death by his wife, parents, brothers, 2 sisters-in-law, and many beloved cousins. Those left to honor his legacy are his children: Kenneth H. Brown, Henrietta W. Brown, Kimberly B. Miller; grandchildren: Jessica Miller Bowman, Nicholas R. Bowman, Laura Miller, and great-grandchildren: Harper Bowman, Catherine Bowman, Caroline Bowman and Paul Henry Bowman in addition to a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu flowers donations may be made in Henry's name to Chatom United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.

The family will hold a visitation at Chatom United Methodist Church on February 5 from 1-2 pm with the funeral immediately following. He will be laid to rest in the Barlow Cemetery following his service. The Rev. Dr. Holly Morales, officiating. Pallbearers Glen Talbot, Joe Murphy, William Mark Brown, Mark D. Brown, Jamie Richardson, and Larry Hubbard.