Elder Claude H. Brown

Elder Claude H. Brown, aged 77, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, peacefully passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024, in Harrisburg. Born on January 1, 1947, in Harrisburg, Elder Claude was raised in Steelton, Pennsylvania, by his parents, the late Rev. Samuel and Juanita Brown. He was the eighth of nine children and was affectionately called “Sweet Clea” in his youth. Elder Claude graduated from Central Dauphin East High School and furthered his education at Allen University, an HBCU, earning his degree and certifications in civil engineering. Elder Claude proudly served in the United States Army, completing tours of duty in Liberia, Africa. Following his military service, he embarked on a distinguished career as a Locomotive Engineer, working for SEPTA in Philadelphia, the New Jersey Transit System, Amtrak, and retiring as a Senior MNR Freight Train Operating Engineer for Norfolk Southern. On January 11, 1970, Elder Claude married Wanda H. Segar, whom he affectionately called “Bae.” Their 54-year union was blessed with many children, and their home was a place of refuge, always open to those in need. Elder Claude was a passionate fan of Philadelphia sports teams, particularly the Philadelphia Eagles, rarely missing a game. A man of many talents, Elder Claude was an accomplished sketch artist and writer, often creating poems and literary pieces for family and friends. His creativity and generosity were matched by his deep faith. As a child, he attended Turner Memorial Baptist Church, where he participated in Sunday School and choir. In the early 1980s, Elder Claude gave his life to the Lord and later joined Shalom Temple Pentecostal Church. Under the leadership of the late Bishop Jesse T. Stacks Sr., Elder Claude was ordained as a Minister in The Lord’s Church. His devotion to his faith was evident in his daily life, regularly found in his lounge chair with his Bible open, reading scriptures and living by the verse, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” ~ 2 Timothy 2:15 When he initially became ill, the first thing he requested was his Bible, embodying the spirit of Acts 17:11: “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily.” Elder Claude was preceded in death by his son, Aaron V. Brown, Siblings: Samuel Jr, Thomas, Ricardo, Mamie, Mildred, Izola and Step-Mother, Annette Brown. Elder Claude Brown is survived by his loving, devoted, and supportive wife of 54 years, Mother Wanda H. Brown, and by his children: Scott Brown, Candace Segar-Barr (Domon) all of Harrisburg, Elder Jarah J. Brown of Atlanta, GA, Jayna Jennings (Rick), Ta’Mar Wilkerson (Yoself), Eden Shanta Brown (Felicia), Mariah Melissa Brown, Jordan Robert Brown, Justin Brown of Hinesville, GA, Talese Brown, Juanita Brown, Asia Brown, all of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Alliah Dunn (Stewart) of West Virginia, his brothers, Gerald Brown (Veda) of Jacksonville, Florida and Francis Brown (Barbara) of Harrisburg; those that he reared as if they were his own, LaToni Crowder, Auynia Brandon, Aliya Keyes, Kerron Dicks, Michaela Ortiz, and Arielle Brandon; 18 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Through his illness and life’s obstacles, Elder Claude consistently displayed many fruits of the spirit, remaining loving, kind, and humble, and now rejoicing, saying, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me in that day.” ~ 2 Timothy 4:7-8 FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME.

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Elder Claude H. Brown

January 1, 1947 - July 11, 2024