Raymond E. Brown

The Reverend Dr. Raymond E. Brown, 87, of Fishers, Ind., passed away Oct. 30, 2012. He was born May 25, 1925, in Little Rock, Ark., to William Richard and Verlie Acklin Brown. Ray attended Jarvis Christian College, where he received the bachelor of arts degree and was ordained into Christian Ministry. The Honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degree was conferred upon him by Jarvis in 1977. Ray served the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) as the first president of the National Convocation, Sr. VP with the Board of Church Extension, the first African American vice-moderator of the General Assembly, and as the interim president of the Division of Homeland Ministries. Ray is survived by his wife, Suzanne; children, Thomas (Sheila), Raymond (Rochelle), Cerise (James), Ronald, Denola (Phillip), Michael (Debra), Terry (Gwen) and Cynthia; brothers, Robert (Doris) and John Allen (Chris); eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service for Ray will be held Friday, Nov. 9, 2012, at 3 p.m. at Downey Avenue Christian Church, 111 S. Downey Ave. with family visitation from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Downey Avenue Christian Church. Arrangements are entrusted to Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel.