Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Burnell Brown Obituary
He was preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude Winfrey Brown.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 20, 2008, 1 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church. Interment will be in Watkinsville City Cemetery. The remains will lie-in-state at the church from 11 a.m. until the hour of service.
He is survived by children, Virginia E. Gennings, Bernice Brown-Weir, James H. Brown Sr., Brenda A. Brown, Dennis K. Brown and Doris E. Brown-Wyatt; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethel Baptist Church Building Fund or the American Lung Association.
Winfrey's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Burnell Brown
CORDELL (SPOON) WITHERSPOON
January 7, 2009
I ONLY GOT TO KNOW MR BROWN (MR. B) FOR ONLY A FEW YEARS. HE WAS A MAN WHO WAS TRULY RESPECTED AND REVERED ESPECIALLY BY ME. MUCH LOVE AND SYMPATHY GO OUT TO HIS FRIENDS AND FAMILY. HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED. GOD SPEED ON YOUR JOURNEY MY DEAR OLD FRIEND.
Linda Terrell
December 27, 2008
May you find comfort in knowing your departed was loved by many. Hopefully this will ease your sorrow. Linda Terrell and Family
Gary Lee
December 23, 2008
My favorite memories of Deacon Brown go back to the 80's when Church League softball was at it's peak in Oconee Co. Our biggest rival was Bethel Baptist because they were so good. Back then, we all knew each other, and were truly friends. Deacon Brown never missed a game that I can remember, and he would cheer for the opposing team as well as his own. The man was truly an Ambassador for God. He will be missed. God Bless to the family
Carole Ludwig
December 23, 2008
I moved to Oconee county in '83, and noticed when I went to the PO how everyone came up to Mr. Burrell and greeted him. I thought "this must be and important man in the county". And I came to know that that was true. I loved seeing this rock of the community driving around in his ancient truck, always on a mission to help someone. Carole Ludwig
Joan Stroer
December 22, 2008
Mr. Brown was a powerful presence and a masterful storyteller. He will be missed in Oconee.
Willie and Joan Moon
December 22, 2008
Our thoughts are with the Brown family. Although we had only recently become acquainted with Mr. Burnell Brown, it was plain to see that he was a gentleman of great merit and was loved dearly. Rev. W. R. Brown had a wonderful grandfather and mentor.
Mark Eidson
December 21, 2008
my condollences to all the Brown family in your time of grief.
Kayode & Nicole Hull
December 20, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Lizzie Davis-Hardy
December 20, 2008
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Roy Allen Harris
December 20, 2008
To the Brown family, I was very sad to hear that Mr. Burnell, the name I've called him all my life, has passed on from this earthly life. I know he will continue to look down on us from his heavenly home. And to his family, whom I've known and loved all my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of bereavement.
Stella Jackson
December 20, 2008
Much Sympathy to the family while you ride out the storm that's present, but this too will pass. He's absent only in the body. Thinking of you!
Rev. Terry A. Willoughby
December 20, 2008
To Virginia, Berniece, James Sr., Brenda, Dennis, Doris, and all of the grandchildren, and entire family. Words just can't express the emptiness that is left in our hearts upon the homegoing of such a valiant soldier of God as Deacon Burnell Brown. There were so many times whereby I often wonder if I would have ever accomplished the things that the Lord has blessed me to do, had it not been for the foundation that Dea. Brown instilled in my life at an early age. All those Sunday afternoons at BTU and Sunday mornings at Sunday School back when we were in that old wooden church, those lessons that I learned from Dea. Brown are really paying off now that I am preaching God's Word, just like He always told me I would. For having more confidence in me than I had in myself, I will always love and remember you Dea. Brown. Family, thank you so much for sharing Him with us all. Love you always.
WYLIE AND SARAH MCGUIRE
December 20, 2008
"THOU, O LORD,ART A SHIELD ABOUT ME, MY GLORY,AND THE ONE WHO LIFTS MY HEAD."
PSALM 3:3
THE LORD'S HAND IS HOLDING YOURS....AND HE IS WALKING YOU THROUGH THIS TIME...PRAYING THAT HIS PRESENCE WILL BE YOUR PEACE.
DEA. AND SIS. WYLIE MCGUIRE AND FAMILY.
Sarah Willoughby
December 19, 2008
We just wanted to send my condolences to the Brown Family. If anyone in the family needs anything, please do not hesitate to ask. Dea. Brown, you will be greatly remembered and missed. We know you are in a better place.
Sarah Willoughby and Family
THE BROWNS CHAPEL CHURCH FAMILY
December 19, 2008
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
SYLVIA HARRIS
December 19, 2008
HELLO. BROWN FAMILY ITS SO HARD TO SAY GOOD BY TO SOMEONE THAT YOU LOVED ALL YOUR LIFE, BUT WE KNOW WHEN HE CLOSED HIS EYES TO US HE OPENING THEM UP TO JESUS. DEA. BURNELL WILL AWAYS HOLD A SPEACIAL PLACE IN MY HEART, LOVE YOU ALL
Kimberly Fuller & Family
December 19, 2008
To the Brown family, may God help each of you through this difficult time of bereavement. I have enjoyed hearing Mr. Brown sing at Bethel Baptist. "I know I got religion." May he rest in peace!!!!
Daniel Mattews
December 19, 2008
I feel fortunate and enriched for having met this giant of a man
Clara Ham-Daniel
December 19, 2008
Mrs. Bernice & Family
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Love Clara and Everett Daniel
Bill Yarbrough
December 19, 2008
Three generations of the Yarbrough family have been more enriched because of our close friendship with Burnell. We love you and we will miss you.
Bill, Lynne, Amy, Paul and Jo'elle
SUSAN CROCKER
December 18, 2008
DEAR BERNICE:
JUST KNOW AND I DO WITH MY
DADDY, THAT HE IS IN A MUCH
BETTER PLACE LOOKING DOWN ON
US. WE LOVE YOU AND OUR
PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND WITH
YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF
GRIEF.
SUSAN J. CROCKER
JENNIE C. SMITH
CINDY MOYE
KAY GROOVER
LIZ CONZALES
LUCY BLAIR
AND DR. ROSSI
Reggie Crawford
December 18, 2008
My thoughts and prayers goes out to the Brown family
Mechelle Polhill
December 18, 2008
Dea. Brown (Cousin Burnell) was a great man. He truly had the love of God in his heart. He was dedicated to his family, his church & his community. He will be missed, but he has gone to a better place where there's no more suffering. To the Brown family, please know that you are in our hearts & prayers. And, always remember that earth has no sorrow that Heaven can not heal. May God be with you. DeRoss & Mechelle Polhill and Family
Takia Jones-Taylor
December 18, 2008
"Uncle Burnell" A man who stood up in moments of controversy in his community. A man who submitted his will and purposes entirely to God. A man who will live in our hearts forever.
Joan Stroer
December 18, 2008
A powerful presence and a masterful storyteller. A real community leader who embodied a gentler age.
Clara ford
December 18, 2008
Mr Burnell you will surely be missed by me and my family. I met you about 40 plus years age and you became an important person to me. I can stilll remember the times that we went to church and you were just like the father figure that I did not have in my life. Granted, sometimes I didn't want to go but mama would say Mr Burnell need you to go because he had put me on a program here and there anywhere in the surrounding counties. Mr Burnell I really enjoyed going now when I think about it . At the BTU conference and Sunday School convention you really did get to meet a lots of different people. I think the best part of going with you were when we turned 16 and could drive and you let us go to the store in your car and tells us we had to come right back because you were responsible for us just like a reall father would say. God knows that I will miss you and God took a very special, loving, kind person when he took you. I could write all day about the goodness of you Mr. Burnell but I will close with I have become a better because of a lots of the things you taught me
miss you and I hope and pray that I see you on the other side.
Clara Ford
Clara Ford
December 18, 2008
Mr Burnell you will surely be missed by me and my family. I met you about 40 plus years age and you became an important person to me. I can stilll remember the times that we went to church and you were just like the father figure that I did not have in my life. Granted, sometimes I didn't want to go but mama would say Mr Burnell need you to go because he had put me on a program here and there anywhere in the surrounding counties. Mr Burnell I really enjoyed going now when I think about it . At the BTU conference and Sunday School convention you really did get to meet a lots of different people. I think the best part of going with you were when we turned 16 and could drive and you let us go to the store in your car and tells us we had to come right back because you were responsible for us just like a reall father would say. God knows that I will miss you and God took a very special, loving, kind person when he took you. I could write all day about the goodness of you Mr. Burnell but I will close with I have become a better because of a lots of the things you taught me
miss you and I hope and pray that I see you on the other side.
Barbara Hemphill
December 18, 2008
My deepest Sympathy goes out to the Brown Family make GOD continue to be with you.
Sis. Carolyn Heard
December 18, 2008
Dea. Burnell Brown was truly a man of God and with dignity. I am truly blessed just to had the opportunity to get to know him personal and worked closely with him for years in the Oconee NAACP, remembering him singing one of his favor "Jesus Loves Me." My thoughts and prayers are with the family as you go through the healing process in the loss of such a man who we all loved so dearly.
Sharon Campbell
December 18, 2008
Uncle Burnell is what we all called him and new him as. Was the voice of prayer, song and fellowship among our family. His walk with the Lord was shown through his efforts in his living. We rejoice in his homegoing for we all knew his passion for the Lord ran deep. Ephesians 4:1,2 says" Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, will all lowliness and gentleness, with long suffering, bearing with one another in love". Love is what he left us with!
Peace,
Sharon (Duhart) Campbell & Family!
Kathy Craft
December 18, 2008
December 18,2008
Mr. Burnell came to the bank everyday for his coffee. He would tell us what his plans were for the day, visiting someone or cutting grass. He was a wonderful man and always a handshake and smile ready. He will be missed.
Velisa Davenport-Merritt
December 18, 2008
Mr. Brown was truly an inspiration to everyone that he met. He never met a stranger and always had a smile on his face. I know that he will truly be missed by his family but his legacy will always live on. God Bless you all.
frances edwards
December 18, 2008
i know mr burnell when i play soft ball .on the lady tean. he love it. may god bless you"ll.
David and Kaye Dawson
December 18, 2008
To Mr. BROWN'S FAMILY ! Mr. Brown was a great MAN OF GOD. He will be missed in our great Town of Watkinsville The Town He helped to by build working many projects made efforts using his God given talents. God Bless the family
Pastor Roy M. Harris, D Div.
December 18, 2008
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Ps. 116:15
As my mind goes back from School Bus #63-19, back in the sixties to Dea. Brown singing "Yes Jesus Loves Me" at Bethel Baptist Church in 2006. I shall forever remember this precious pillar sent from God.
Family as we share in your time of sorrow. For we grieve today, yet we shall rejoice tomorrow.
Although none of us was willing to welcome the departure of Dea. Brown, God knew he was ready, to depart for his Crown.
For 94 years he was such a blessing to so many, many others.
Be encouraged, for Jesus declared in Jn. chpt. 14, let not your heart be troubled.
May the peace of God continue to comfort you during this time of sorrow.
EDWARD AND CAROLYN SIMS DEAN
December 17, 2008
youre in our thoughts at this sad time
Arvid & Melissa Vasenden
December 17, 2008
Mr. Brown was a remarkable gentlemen to be admired by friends
& family, may God go with him on his
heavenly journey. Our sympathy to
Bernice Weir, her brother, sisters, & family.
Rev. Dr. Joseph L. Nunnally, PhD
December 17, 2008
Deacon Brown touched many lives and was an inspiration to all who encounter him. His relationship with God ensured him of a solid foundation as he provided leadership no only for his family, but also for the community at large, including the religous and political spheres. He was an outstanding Sunday School Superintendent and teacher and a man of profound wisdom. My life is richer because of his influence. My thoughts and prayers are with the Brown family.
Linda Terrell-Clements
December 17, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Brown family.
The Terrell Family
Milton Holloway Jr.
December 17, 2008
I never told him, but he was like the father that I never had. The most humble and kind man with a great serving sprit. I'm honored to have ever known him. A wealth of history!
Ronnie Willoughby
December 17, 2008
Deacon Brown was a great leader,a powerful motivator,and a man of great influence.He loved his Church as well as the people in his community.I was blessed by God to have him as a friend.
Scott Berry
December 17, 2008
Burnell Brown was a fine man, and as well respected as anyone in Oconee County. He was my friend, and I looked forward to his visits. I will never forget the first time he told me he would support me in my election for Sheriff...we were having a cup of coffee at the old Hardee's, and I reached to shake his hand and knocked his coffee over in his lap...we laughed about that for years.
I will miss him, and Oconee has lost a leader
Ray & Rozetta Griffeth,Emma Hunter & Bridget
December 17, 2008
To the family of Dea. "Burnell Brown"
His legacy will live on within each of your. Your father was a great inspiration to many in the Oconee Co. area and to our members of the Bethel Baptist Church. Our family will grieve along with each of you in your time of loss. We loved Dea. Brown, he was like a father figure to us all.
Cindy Hardigree
December 17, 2008
I had the honor of getting to know Mr. Burnell while I worked at Oconee State Bank. He always had a smile for us. He was a wonderful man and loved by many. He will be greatly missed.
The Davenport Family
December 17, 2008
May GOD be with the entire family during this time of grief and years to come. You are in our hearts and prayers. Mr. Brown will truely be missed.
bobby kinman
December 17, 2008
I remember Burnell from playing softball. he was a great man who i have a lot of respect for. HE will be greatly missed.my sympathy to all his family.
Arthur Ford
December 17, 2008
Dea. Brown was a great friend to me as well as my entire family. He ecrouge many people in northeast ga, and across the state. I am proud to have known his as i did. My god bless his family
Nicole, Amanda,Veronica Elder
December 17, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
D Adams
December 17, 2008
Softly the leaves of memory fall,
Gently we gather & treasure them all,
Unseen, unheard, you are always near,
So loved, so missed, & ever so dear.
Friends of Athens Tire & Supply(Firestone)!
Kim Andrews Carey
December 17, 2008
May God be with you during this difficult time. Mr. Brown was a good man and will be missed by all.
Linda Jones
December 17, 2008
Dear Brown family I am so sorry to say good by to a wonderful man, a great Decon and phenomenal leader. Please know that you are in our prayers. If you all need any thing from us just call
Lee & Linda Jones
Wendell & Betty Dawson
December 17, 2008
Burnell Brown was a long-time client and friend. I remember many conversations with Mr. Brown. His recall of history of the 30's, 40's & 50's was always an interesting experience.
.
Burnell Brown was a real leader in this community and we will miss him.
.
Richard Daniel White
December 17, 2008
God bless him for his services to our county and all the ways he had a positive influence on people of our community, he will be missed.
Showing 1 - 53 of 53 results
Make a Donation
in Burnell Brown's name
Memorial Events
for Burnell Brown
How to support Burnell's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Burnell Brown's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
