Obituary

Rodney Wayne Brown, Sr.
October 25, 1955 - February 14, 2017


Rodney Wayne Brown, Sr. humbly gave a silent sigh and went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 14, 2017.
Rodney Wayne Brown, Sr. was born on October 25, 1955, in Bogalusa, LA. He was the third child of the Late Orell and Laura Harry Brown. He began his formal education in the Bogalusa City School System and graduated from Bogalusa High School in the Class of 1973. After graduating from high school he attended and graduated from Southern University of Baton Rouge, LA in 1978, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. He continued his education at Southeastern Louisiana University of Hammond, LA where earned a Master’s Degree in Education. He also earned his Plus Thirty hours in post graduate work in Administration and Supervision. He taught Agri-Science for many years in the Bogalusa City School System prior to becoming assistant principal and later principal of Bogalusa High School. He worked diligently to help Bogalusa High School reach new heights. Rodney believed that all children could learn, but each child learned in a unique and different way and at different rates. He fervently believed that with hard work and perseverance, educators, could touch each child in a special way. According to Rodney, “Teamwork is the ultimate way in which a school can be successful in reaching the goals of helping each child attain his/her potential.” Rodney was admired by his colleagues, students, family, friends and community.
Rodney married the love of his life, Brenda Magee Brown. He accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age. He was an active and faithful member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church of Bogalusa, LA. He served in various capacities within the church to include Trustee, Steward Pro-tem, Class Leader, Treasurer, Sons of Allen, Laity, Director Christian Education, and Superintendent of Church School. He served as Conference President of the Laymen Organization and later became Eight Episcopal Lay President. He was elated to serve as host for the Biennial of 2003 in New Orleans, LA. He has served on many Episcopal committees for several A.M.E. general conferences. He was admired as an inspiration and mentor to many throughout the community and the world.
As a community leader, Rodney worked with the Washington Parish Watermelon Festival. He was a member of the Washington Parish Council of eight years representing District A. He also served as Vice-President of the YMCA Board of Directors for many years. Rodney will be mourned and missed as a great caring leader who developed a deep personal relationship with everyone throughout his community. Part of his legacy was supportiveness to those in need. We honor him by continuing to support and love each other. His heart was filled with love and compassion. His two favorite songs were “God’s Grace and Mercy Brought Me Through” and “Blessed Assurance.”
Rodney leaves to cherish his memories, his loving and devoted wife, Brenda Magee Brown; a son, Rodney Wayne Brown, Jr. (Brittany) of McKinney, TX; a brother, Larry Brown (Marian) of Bogalusa, LA; a sister, Denise Brown Williams, of Bakersfield, CA; mother-in-law, Annie Lee Magee; three brothers-in-law, Carl Magee, Edward Magee, and Michael Magee; two sisters-in-law, Linda Hillery and Evangelist Mary Lucas (Reverend Larry); four aunts, Rosa Lee White, Emma Harry, Gladys Harry, and Earnestine Bishop (Willie); three uncles, William Harry (Dorothy), Leroy Harry (Thelma), and Cleotha Harry (Charlene); two grandchildren, Callen Brown and Kiley Beshears; five godchildren, Janiya Vernon, Miracle Bolton, Knefus Bruns, Jamaryia Thomas, and Janola Walker, III; and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Orell and Laura Brown.
The visitation will be 2:00PM-5:00PM with a family hour 5:00PM-7:00 Thursday, February 23, 2017 at Crain and Sons Funeral Home-Bogalusa.
The funeral will be 12:00PM Friday, February 24, 2017 at St. Paul AME Church with Eld. R.L. Palmer, Jr., pastor, officiating. The interment will be in Bogalusa Cemetery. Crain and Sons Funeral Home-Bogalusa in charge of arrangements.