Elder Sam Brown, Jr.

Sam Brown, Jr., a dedicated servant of God, was a pillar of strength and a source of unwavering support for the family and community he served. On April 19, 1940 in Midway, GA, he was the 7th child of 16 children, born to Bishop Samson "Sam" Brown, Sr. and Mother Mary Hines- Brown. He was saved as an adolescent under the auspices of his parents who brought him and his siblings up in the church. Early on his understanding of the bible, deep faith and unwavering love for God was evident to all. He was an avid reader and taught adult bible study as a teenager. He went on to be a great preacher and teacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and continued on in the faith until his passing.

As a teenager, Sam worked with his father in carpentry, which jump started his life’s career as a carpenter. In 1959 Sam graduated from Liberty County High School and was offered a four year scholarship to Fort Valley State University, but chose to attend Pratt Institute for Architecture Design in Brooklyn, New York. In addition to architecture design he completed Business Administration courses at Boston University, and also attended the Church of Christ Bible College in NY. While attending Universities in New York he continued to work in carpentry with his brother, the late Bishop Joseph Brown, Sr. In 1966, he started the Bi Way-Wrecking Company, Inc. and in the late 1970’s founded Sam’s Contracting Company, which he ran for almost 60 years, until his retirement in 2023. Through these many entrepreneurial endeavors he was able to purchase his own multi family home that later supported other family members.

In 1965, after years of knowing each other Sam pursued Gertrude Frazier through various love letters and dates. They fell in love and were later married on July 10, 1966 on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The couple had 3 beautiful daughters and through the years Sam and Gertrude built a love that never wavered and inspired other couples for years to come.

In 1967, while residing in Brooklyn, he was called, ordained, and appointed to lead a group of saints, who had migrated from Georgia to Boston, Massachusetts. Through this sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel, he traveled from New York to Boston weekly, for 13 years before finally relocating to Boston, in 1979. Sam was best known for being the pastor of Christ Tabernacle Church of New Church of Christ Apostolic Faith, Inc. for 57 years. As the Overseer of the NLCC churches, his leadership was well received, and his wisdom was embraced as he also served on the church organization’s Executive Board as President.

Sam was known for supporting the Sam & Mary Cattle Farm, along with his brothers, and always looked forward to being the Brown Family Farm’s tour guide at family reunions. He continued in his mother’s tradition to support and participate in the reunions, instilling in his children and their children the importance of family and staying connected.

He enjoyed hunting, politics, westerns, Boston sports, nature, animals, agriculture and having inspired conversations with anyone up for a good debate. He loved landscaping and beautifying his property with various plants and flowers. He was an overall outdoorsman and often used all of these hobbies for reference in his teaching and preaching.

He touched the lives of so many through his wisdom, knowledge, guidance, practical teachings, sermons, and strong silent presence. Elder Brown was always there to lend a helping hand and share the message of salvation. He cared for people with a “Hands Off Approach”, never overbearing or preachy, giving people the opportunity to make their own choices and decisions in life.

Sam is preceded in death by father and mother, Bishop Sam Brown, Sr., and Mother Mary Hines Brown; five brothers and three sisters; Thomas, John, Timothy, Ella Mae, Sarah Furrs-Wright, Mary Furrs (Herbert Furrs), Bishop Joseph Sr. (Helen Brown), and James Brown, Sr.; Brother In Laws, Willie Jackson, Rudolph Moody, Sr., and William Guyton.

Left to celebrate his wonderful legacy, Sam is survived by Lady Gertrude Frazier Brown, his wife of 58 years, 3 daughters, Ramona (Howard Denton, Sr.) Pamela, Teresa Brown (Winston Brown), 8 Grandchildren, Ravin, Savonna, Saisha, Leche Small-Brown Howard Jr., Faith, Samuel Denton (Destiny Witten), Michaela Brown and 1 Great-Granddaughter, Dalia Denton.He is survived by 4 brothers, Elder Lewis Sr. (Annetta), Elder Ulysee Sr. (Theresa), Deacon Phillip Sr. (Kathy), and Bishop Samuel Brown (Karen), 2 sisters, Mother Elizabeth Jackson and Mother Joyce Moody-Guyton, Godsons: Jamison Lawson, Darrell Griffin, Larry Lovett, Jr., Anson Frazier, Jr., Titus Wells, William Maddox, Jr, Michael Berry, Jordan Wheeler and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

His legacy will forever live on in our hearts, and we will strive to carry forward his teachings of faith, hope, and love. During this challenging time, we ask for your prayers and support as we mourn our beloved, Elder Sam Brown, Jr. We find solace in knowing that he is now resting with our Heavenly Father, where there is no pain or suffering. 

May His Soul Rest In Eternal Peace.

Memorial donations can be made in Sam Brown's name to (Cashapp: $VictoriousWomen97).