Arnold "Brown" Peyton

1930 - 2024

Arnold "Brown" Peyton, age 94, of Independence, MS, left his earthly life on August 1, 2024.

Brown was born on June 15, 1930 in Tate County, MS to Arthur Herman Peyton and Iva Brown Peyton. He graduated from Independence High School in 1948 then served in the United States Army. He worked for numerous propane gas companies before he found his passion in teaching carpentry in the vocational program at his alma mater, Independence High School. He taught cabinet making until his retirement.

Brown was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He loved Jesus more than anything which was evident in the way that he lived his life. He shared Jesus with everyone he came in contact with.

Brown is survived by his wife of 71 years, Bertha Jamison Peyton, of Independence, MS; his daughters Stephanie Peyton Shackleford (Dennis) of Independence, MS and Cindy Peyton Ferguson-Trainum of Independence, MS; his grandchildren, Heath Shackleford (Marie) of Woodland Hills, California, Melissa Ferguson Merriken (Joe) of Sarasota, FL, Jill Shackleford McClure (Doug) of Senatobia, MS, Brad Ferguson (Whitney) of Independence, MS; his great-grandchildren Paige McClure Nickens (Garrett), Bevan Beard, Peyton McClure, Kade Shackleford, Jake Shackleford, Preston Merriken, Micah McClure, Anna Ferguson and Colton Ferguson; his great- great-grandchildren Blaire Nickens and Will Nickens. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and lifelong friends that he adored and cherished. He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Peyton and Iva Brown Peyton as well as his brothers, Virgil Peyton, Marvin Ray Peyton, Hubert Peyton, Clarence Peyton, and his sister Beatrice Peyton Wallace.

Brown was a long-time faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church where he placed his heart and soul. He loved his church and actively served as a deacon for more than sixty years.

Anyone who ever met Brown loved him and knew that he loved them. He is one of the kindest men to ever exist. Jesus was his first priority and family was next. No one ever questioned his love for them. When you entered the room, you would probably hear "hey sugar" and he never failed to tell you he loved you and he would seal it with a kiss. So many lives have been touched by Brown and all in positive ways. He never met a stranger, and he loved to sit and talk or listen, as long as he had a cup of coffee and a peppermint to go with it.

Brown could make nearly anything with his hands, a saw and a pile of wood. He loved sharing his skills with anyone he could, but more than sharing those skills, he shared integrity in the way he carried himself, fierce love for all around him, and a genuine zeal for life itself. He never took anything for granted and he very rarely raised his voice. His actions spoke louder than his words and the legacy he leaves behind will not soon be forgotten. To know him was to love him.

Visitation will be on Friday, August 9, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Brantley Funeral home in Olive Branch. The funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. A committal service will be held at New Hope Baptist Church in Independence, MS at 12:30 p.m.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to New Hope Baptist Church (1290 New Hope Road Coldwater, MS 38618).