Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

The Hollering Deacon - Booker T. Plumber"

Deacon Bennie Brown, Sr. was born on March 29, 1939, in Rayville LA to the late Paul Brown and Georgia "Sweetie" Potts Brown. He was affectionately known as "The Hollering Deacon" delivering powerful prayers as a prayer warrior. On any given Sunday, he would be seen at the pulpit walking the preachers down as they delivered uplifting sermons. He accepted Christ at an early age at The New Zion Baptist Church of Rayville LA., under the leadership of Rev. Sylvester Hudson. He remained faithful as the Lead Deacon reaching out to pray and commune with the sick & shut-in until his health failed. Deacon Brown attended the Eula D Britton School of Color in the late 1940's. He sponsored a brick memorial in memory of his late wife and in honor of himself prior to his demise. He married the love of his life, Hattie Bee Wade on March 25, 1962. From this union, they were blessed with seven children. He had a love for hunting, farming and plumbing where he worked diligently for over 42 years for Plumbing Inc. of West Monroe LA. After retirement, he continued to pour out his life unto others as he & his wife became Certified Foster Parents for the State of Louisiana by helping over 33 children. He spent his later years, after retirement, working for Clack Plumbing, LLC. Hunting, working and manning the farm was his passion. He would often say, "I have to bail some hay to feed my cows. I can't leave right now." On January 29, 2020, Deacon Bennie Brown Sr. heard God say, "well done thy good and faithful servant." He closed his eyes and stepped into eternity knowing that those who had gone before him were welcoming him home. There to greet him was his wife of 49 years, Hattie Bee Brown; his father, Paul Brown; mother, "Sweetie" Potts Brown; son, Paul Brown; brother, Robinson Murphy, Sr.; sisters, Roberta Brown Williams, Arince Tillman Adams, Josie Wade, Ruthie Brown and 1 grand-child 2 great-grandchildren. He leaves to cherish the joys of his life five loving sons: Bennie Jr. (Bessie) Rayville LA, James (Beverly) Dallas TX, Jimmy (Tonya) Dallas, T., Danny (Sharon) Monroe LA and Tony Potts Monroe LA.; two devoted daughters: Hope (David) McGhee Forney TX, and Yolanda (Quincy) Armstrong Rowlett TX; two God sons: Prince (Nette) Calloway Monroe LA, Zion Jenkins Rayville LA; three God daughters: Snobia (Carlos) Glover Mesquite TX, Camille (Darius) Johnson Monroe LA, and Patrice Autman Clarksville TN.; four sisters-in law: Clemmie Wheeler Rayville LA, Dorothy Johnson Monroe LA, Anna Newsome Monroe LA, and Patricia & Brenda Wade Monroe LA; two brothers-in-law: George Wade Monroe LA, and Carl Calloway Monroe LA; two aunts: Vallena (Elonzo Sr.) and Tabitha Calloway Seattle WA., twenty grandchildren & twenty-five great-grandchildren, and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, friends and the New Zion Baptist Church Family. Homegoing celebration are Saturday February 8, 2020, 11 am Greater New Antioch Baptist Church 301 Sherrouse Ave. Monroe LA, Rev. John L. Russell ll, Pastor and Rev. Tom Baker Officiating. Wake services are Friday February 7, 2020, 6pm Greater Free Gift Baptist Church Hwy 165 South Monroe LA, Bishop Rodney McFarland Pastor.