Jay Brown

J.M. “Jay” Brown, 71, of Cleveland, departed this life unexpectedly on April 20, 2022, at a local hospital.

He was born on August 17, 1950, in Athens, Tennessee to the late Eskey and Martha Jane Plumley Brown.  Throughout life, Jay cherished the many memories he was able to make while being with his family.  He retired from Maytag in 2001 after having open heart surgery.  A charter member of Gospelway Baptist Church in Dawnville, Georgia, he was ordained as a deacon in 1984.  At the time of his death, he was an active deacon at Antioch Baptist Church in Benton, Tennessee.  Among the churches that he was apart of, he served as choir director and song leader and loved the honor of hearing the progress each choir would make.  He was so proud to tell his testimony and how he got saved at Mountain View Baptist Church in Benton during a revival that Rev. Omar Plank was preaching.  J.M. was not ashamed of his Savior and he wanted to help lead others to Christ.

An avid supporter of the Tennessee Volunteers, Jay could always be found rooting on The Big Orange in front of his television on a fall Saturday in Knoxville.  A few of his fondest memories include coon hunting with his friends, fishing, telling a corny joke, and most importantly loved being with his family.  He never met a stranger and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of meeting him.

In addition to his parents, Eskey and Martha Jane Brown, he was preceded by six siblings, Ruth Sitzler, Ray Brown, Rev. Arlin Brown, Rev. Paul Brown, Olen Brown, and Bill Brown; brother-in-law, James L. Daniel.

Left to cherish the many memories include his loving wife of 50+ years, Sylvia “Sib” Franks Brown; beloved sons, Jeremy (Lori) Brown and Jason Brown; cherished grandchildren, Faith Brown, Sarah Brown, and Kobey Brown; step-grandchildren, Charity (Eric) Kinser and Larissa (Caleb) Bodley; step-great-grandchildren, Carson Kinser, Landon Kinser, Stella Bodley, and Ansel Bodley; siblings, David Brown, Johnny “Dolly” Brown, Jackie (Brenda) Brown, and Wanda Richisen; aunt, Mayme (Knox) Melton; mother of his granddaughters Faith and Sarah, Jennifer Miles.  Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends also survive.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Antioch Baptist Church with Pastor John Cain, Rev. Freddie Bell, and Rev. Ronnie Umphrey officiating.  Faith Brown will reflect on the many memories of Jay.  Interment will follow at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery with Toddy Murphy, Chris Richisen, James Brown, Cody Shelton, Tony Shelton, Mike Franklin, Tom Massengill, and Faith Brown serving as pallbearers.

Family and friends will gather from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 22, 2022, at Higgins Funeral Home of Benton and from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, prior to the service at the church.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.