The Reverend Gayle Dean Brown
August 7, 1935 ~ January 19, 2020
Born in:
Asheville, NC
Resided in:
Greensboro, NC
Cherished by those who knew him for his unwavering generosity of spirit, deep devotion to faith and ardent love of family, the Rev. Gayle Dean Brown passed peacefully from this world early Sunday morning, January 19, 2020.
Born on August 7, 1935 in Asheville, North Carolina, Gayle was a proud graduate of Biltmore High School, Mars Hill College, Montreat College and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
As a passionate pastor, teacher and community leader, Gayle devoted his life to serving God and people. From his position as Executive Director of the Parkhill Community Planning Council in the inner city of Louisville, KY during the 1960’s, to his leadership as a pastor at Oteen Baptist and several other churches throughout Buncombe County, and his twenty-three year tenure with the Buncombe Baptist Association as the Director of Christian Social Ministries and Director of Missions, he always sought to enact his vision of uniting the church and community to work in partnership toward a brighter and better future for all.
Through these roles and many others, Gayle established a legacy of sharing compassion, grace, and love with all he encountered. His warm sense of humor and firm commitment to others will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
Gayle is preceded in death by parents Fletcher and Marjorie Brown, as well as his older brother, Grady Brown. He is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Stella Brown, currently of Greensboro NC; his son Morris (Pam) Brown, of Greensboro, NC; his daughter Michele (Mark) Grush, of Hendersonville, NC; his five grandchildren, Zach (Ellen) Brown, Caleb (Kelsey) Brown, Aury St. Germain, Charlotte Grush, and Graham Grush; his one great-granddaughter, Addison Brown; and his brother Ron (Louise) Brown of Asheville; as well as a number of extended relatives and friends.
His family wishes to express gratitude to the many friends, neighbors, caregivers, and loved ones who so thoroughly enriched his life.
A celebration of Gayle’s life is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 24, 2020 at Beverly Hills Baptist Church. Visitation will precede the service from 12:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. Burial will follow the service at Calvary Episcopal Churchyard in Fletcher.
A memorial service will be held at Friends Home Guilford at a later date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Residents’ Assistance Fund at Friends Home Guilford of Greensboro.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family.
Services
Visitation: January 24, 2020 12:00 pm - April 23, 2024 1:45 pm
Beverly Hills Baptist Church
777 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805
828-298-4623
Celebration of Life: January 24, 2020 2:00 pm
Beverly Hills Baptist Church
777 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805
828-298-4623
Burial: January 24, 2020 3:30 pm
Calvary Episcopal Churchyard
Hendersonville Road
Fletcher, NC 28732
828-252-3535
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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One of God’s greatest servants. He was a long-time friend and Pastor for Joyce’s family in the Oteen area. Great was God’s faithfulness to Gayle and great was Gayle’s faithfulness to those to whom he ministered. He was a tremendous encouragement to us. Our prayers are with Stella and the family.
Woodie and Joyce Dixon, Camden, SC
Stella and family, we are sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gwen Rotan and Beverly
My thoughts and prayers are with this beautiful family during this time of loss. May peace be with you.
God has welcomed Rev Gayle home with a greeting of “well done my good and faithful servant.” He was more than a pastor to our community, he was a shepherd to his flock. I’m sure Teresa and “The Preacher Man” are rejoicing this morning.
Prayers for the family that ministered with Gayle and shared him with us all.
Stella & Family
We are deeply saddened to learn of Gayle’s passing. He was a Godly man full of love and will be missed by all who knew him. We pray that God will be close to you during this difficult time. We love you.
Arch & Diana
So sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed by many. Praying for you and your family.
I will miss you along with many others.. I enjoyed working with you when you served as pastor at Grove Stone Baptist Church. Enjoyed when you and Stella went with the seniors out to eat or just going out together. You were loved by many and will be missed by many including myself. Now you are with our Lord and Savior smiling down on all of us who knew you and loved you.Rest in Peace.
Stella, please know of my prayers for you and your family. Gayle was a special person to all he met.
Stella, know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. Gayle was a wonderful man who meant much to so many! I shall always treasure the memories of our day trips and picnics! God’s grace will be with you during these days of grief and adjustments. Love, Gloria Keown
Sorry for your loss. Loved Stella and Gayle.
Del and Charlotte Collins
I volunteered for a short period of time at Buncombe Baptist Association. I found Mr. Brown to be a kind, compassionate christian. He truly will be missed.
Ray Fowler – Candler, NC
Stella and Family, Gayle was a wonderful minister and friend. I remember so many things from when he was at Arden First Baptist and led our Senior’s program. We had so much fun. He did so much to see that we were all taken care of. I can just see him now standing at the throne of God. He was a special man and now he is with Jesus. Loved Gayle & Stella and still think of them, so often. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
I’m sorry I won’t be able to attend the service as I will be helping in another funeral at the same time. Gayle was a faithful servant of the Lord. He was an encouragement to me. Our prayers are with the family.
Dear Stella and family, so very sorry to hear of Gayle’s passing, so sorry I could not be there for you, I am living in Franklin now for almost three years to be near my son and his wife, Gus is 93 now and in a nursing facility in Clayton, Ga, aabout 25 miles from here, he has abeen diagnosed with Alsheimers , so very sad and I miss him being here but see him all the time, I wish we might see eachother one of these days but please know share in your sorrow, with love, Shirley Colagerakis
Gayle’s was A Beautiful life so well lived. Love and prayers to this precious family whose loss is truly Heaven’s gain.
Martha Bass
And I heard a voice from Heaven, saying unto me, “Write: ’Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth.’” “Yea,” saith the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.”
Condolences to you and your family.
It was a joy and privilege to share many wonderful experiences with Gayle and Stella Brown. We will always remember their devotion and commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ and the many social and ministry experiences we have had together. Our prayers will be with you.
Billy McGill, friend of Gayle Brown