Kent Russell Brown

In Loving Memory of Kent Russell Brown

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  ~ John 3:16

Kent Russell Brown was born on Thursday, October 13, 1955, in Myrtle, Mississippi, to Hilda Knowles. At an early age, Kent gave his life to Christ and later joined Jamieson Grove United Methodist Church, where he answered the call into ministry. 

Kent served faithfully as pastor of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Batesville MS until his retirement in June, 2025. His commitment to preaching, teaching, and serving others through ministry was a core part of his identity, and his faith remained a guiding force throughout his life.

Kent graduated from Myrtle High School in May of 1975. Shortly after high school, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army, serving four years of active duty, followed by six years in the Army Reserve. A dedicated serviceman and a strong provider, Kent was known for his tireless work ethics --  often working two or three jobs at once to support his family, until his health no longer allowed him to do so.

He had a deep love for bowling and playing chess, and he found joy in singing in the choir at St. Paul United Methodist Church. Kent's presence, kindness, and devotion to his family and faith, will be remembered by all who knew and loved him. On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, this brave soldier, this Christian warrior, answered his call to duty.

He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Janice Brown of Oxford MS; his mother: Hilda Knowles of Myrtle MS; his grandmother: Viola Scruggs of Racine WI; his cherished children: Letonia (Willie) Strong and Tanesha (Emanuel) Jones both of New Albany MS, Kenneth (Akeisha) Brown of Lillington NC, Tyrone Vaughn of Richmond Park, IL and April Buford of Oxford MS; his siblings: Deborah (Dennis) Johnson and Anthony (Florastean) Wilson both of Red Banks MS, Vanessa (Kevin) Robbins of Fairfield CA, Craig Wilson of New Albany MS and Michael (Roberta) Knowles of Myrtle MS; his sister-n-law: Betty (James) Young of Oxford MS; proud grandfather of 15 grandchildren: Faye Turnage, A'Nyla and Kaden Judon and Preston Jones, all of New Albany MS; Octavious Brown of Benson AZ, Truth  Brown of Booneville MS, Azaria Brown, Ayani Adebayo and Asher Hodge all of Lillington NC, Jaquan and Kiyah and Emarion Buford, and Dkhylen Mosley, all of Oxford MS, Tyre Vaughn and Kedric Vaughn, Jr, both of Richmond Park IL; five great grandchildren, who were the joy of his life and a lasting part of his legacy; he also leave a special niece: Jessica Bradley of Myrtle MS; also cherishing his memories: a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, in-laws, and dear friends. Kent is preceded in death by his beloved grandson: Christopher Brown and his brother: Earl Wilson.

Kent's life was a testament of faith, service and dedication. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Please keep the Brown family lifted in prayer.