Pastor Howard E. Brown

Pastor Howard Brown was born on June 24, 1930 in Thornton, Limestone County, Texas, to the late Governor Irland Brown and Mary Draden Brown. The family moved to Hamlin, Texas in 1941.

He met and married Elnora Morrison in the late 40's. To this union 3 children were born: William Earl, Ella Mae and Belinda Kaye.

He attended Oscar DePriest School, received his GED and later attended Hardin Simmons University. Pastor Howard Brown was saved, sanctified, and baptized with the Holy Ghost in 1948. He was ordained as an Elder in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and pastored several churches, including Andrews COGIC, Abilene Miles Chapel COGIC, Abilene Bethel COGIC, Anson COGIC, Rotan COGIC. In 1974, Pastor Howard Brown became the Pastor of Holy Temple Church of God in Christ, Hamlin, Texas and remained there 50 plus years until his demise. He was a humble and true servant of God. Preaching and teaching the Word of God was his calling. Serving the Lord and serving people were his passions. He was a self-taught musician and played the string guitar in all church services. He loved to sing praises to God, including his favorite song, "They Are Somewhere Around God's Throne", while playing his guitar. He also taught others how to play the guitar.

His employment history includes more than 40 years with the Abilene Independent School District (AISD). He retired at the end of his career with Abilene Cooper High School.

He is preceded in death by his parents; son, William Earl Brown; granddaughter, Chrystal Brown; grandson, Charles Hunter II; great-great granddaughter, Elayah Brown; brothers, G. B., James; sisters, Maxine, Bessie, Emma J., Katherine, Joyce, Jean, Janie, Bertie and Mary.

He leaves to cherish his memory, 2 daughters: Ella Hunter (Charles, Sr.) of Lubbock, Belinda Wright of Abilene; 13 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, William Brown of Hamlin, Texas and Charles Brown (Lillie) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; 2 sisters, Joann Elix of Roosevelt, Oklahoma and Minnie Williams Robinson of Hamlin, Texas; and devoted nephew Kenneth Williams and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. He is also survived by his Holy Temple church family.