The Obituary

With profound sadness yet gratitude for a life richly lived, we

mourn the passing of Bishop Clyde D. Brown, steadfast in his faith, a

beacon of hope, a superior tradesman, and a pillar of strength in his

community. Born as Claudius Lysias to Eliza Moses and Robert Brown

of Bailey, North Carolina, on December 14, 1933, his journey from

humble beginnings to spiritual leadership has left an indelible mark on

countless lives.

Raised in the harsh conditions of sharecropping, Clyde learned the

value of hard work and perseverance from an early age. Following the

loss of his father, the family relocated to Brooklyn, New York where

young Clyde would soon find his calling within the walls of St. Mark's

Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ. At the tender age of eighteen,

Clyde received the Holy Spirit. He answered the divine call to the

ministry, a call that echoed the footsteps of his beloved mother and

numerous family members.

Elevated by his unwavering commitment to God and his flock,

Elder Brown assumed pastoral duties at St. Peter's Church of Christ,

Disciples of Christ in North Philadelphia in 1955. His ministry was

characterized by anointed preaching, fervent prayer, and transformative

teaching, drawing multitudes into the fold of salvation and restoration.

Under his leadership, St. Peter's flourished, acquiring a permanent

home in Southwest Philadelphia, PA, a testament to his vision and

stewardship. On July 15th, 1956, Elder Brown and Antoinette Griffin

(who preceded him in death, 2018) were wedded in holy matrimony

and from this union, two daughters were born: Hadesser Claudette and

Celeste Juanita. In 2002, he was ordained a Bishop and remained the

Pastor of St Peter's Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ for more than

65 years.

Throughout his life, Bishop Brown held various leadership roles

within the church, including President of the Northern Eastern District

Union for over forty years and Vice President of the Northeastern

District Assembly (NEDA), for nearly a decade. His dedication

extended beyond the pulpit, being actively engaged with numerous

community and outreach initiatives. One of his favorite programs was

vacation Bible school.

Some moments and facts about Clyde Brown:

He Survived a 40-foot fall and cardiac arrest after being

electrocuted on his job in 1985.

He received his high school diploma in 1991 by attending

night school. Shortly after, obtained employment with the

city of Philadelphia as a master electrician at the age of 60.

He made the best pancakes with a secret ingredient for his

only granddaughter, Dianez.

He loved the zoo, amusement parks, and boxing.

He was the first to use a rotary phone in his mom's household.

He owned his business called Clyde's handyman.

The final chapter of Clyde's life was spent at Monumental Post

Acute Nursing Center after a long battle with advanced dementia and

cancer. Even in his state of mental and physical decline, Clyde was

often heard at the nurses' station praying and preaching. The entire

staff lovingly nicknamed him "Papa Brown" and "Bishop Clyde."

Clyde Brown was a brother, husband, father, grandpa, great-grand

pa, deacon, pastor, bishop, preacher, teacher, and mentor, to many. He

departed this life on Tuesday, March 19th, 2024. His life on this earth

will truly be missed but his legacy will live in our hearts forever.

Bishop Clyde Brown is survived by his daughters, Hadesser

Claudette Brown and Celeste Juanita and Isaac Apoh (son-in-law),

Dianez Patryce and Alexander B. Pilon (granddaughter and, grandsonin-

law), Carter Alexander Pilon, (great-grand son). Siblings include

Valentine, Verlene, Julia Mae, Earlene, Magdalene, in addition to a

host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other family members and wellwishers.

Family members that preceded Bishop Clyde Brown in death:

George and Amie Brown, (grandparents on father's side), Daniel and

Fannie Mae Moses (grandparents on mother's side), (Robert Brown and

Eliza Moses, parents) Elnaam (brother, nickname Robby), Jasiel

(brother nickname Jerry), Fannie Mae (sister), Crawford (nickname

Mitchell,) Isaac (brother), half-brother Marvin Jennings.

In honoring his memory, let us strive to emulate his unwavering

faith, his boundless love, and his enduring legacy of service. May his

legacy continue to inspire and uplift all who follow in his footsteps.