Rev. Howard Hampton Brown

Reverend Howard H. Brown

September 6, 1935 - June 14, 2020

Howard Hampton Brown of Lucknow passed quickly and gently from this life on June 14th at the Manor Senior Living in Florence. A life-long resident of South Carolina, he was 84 years old. The eighth of ten children, Howard was born and raised near Bethune by his parents Mack and Lannie Poston Brown. From a young age, he helped on the family farm while going to school and graduated from Bethune High School, the first in his family to do so. He proudly served in the United States Army, an experience he cherished and talked about his whole life. After his military service, he married Ellen Stephens, and, in the early years of raising their family, sold life insurance to make a living. Still a young man, Howard answered the call to Christian ministry. After being ordained as a Southern Baptist pastor and serving in interim positions, he accepted his first full-time pastorate at Rehoboth Baptist Church near Florence. With four children and a full-time job as a pastor, he pursued his Bachelor's degree in Sociology at Francis Marion College, graduating in 1976; again the first in his family to do so. After Rehoboth, he was called to Bennettsville Second Baptist Church, and, later, Antioch Baptist Church near Camden, from which he retired in 1993. Empty nesters, Howard and Ellen relocated to Lucknow, and he continued to serve as interim pastor with his final service being to Lucknow Baptist Church. He was honored by the South Carolina Baptist Convention for his service of 50 years.

Howard was beloved by his parishioners due to his great devotion to the “pastoral” aspects of his service. He visited his parishioners faithfully in their homes and when they were sick in the hospital or nursing home. He wed them, he buried them, and he cut family vacations short for them. Simply put, he was present, without fail, in their hours of need. He was also present around lunch time when the best cooks in his congregations needed an extra visit. Howard was a gregarious person and loved to “cut the fool,” a little too much for Ellen’s taste sometimes. He fiercely loved and was proud of his children. Howard and Ellen prioritized giving their children the opportunities, love, and support to become successful and happy adults. Howard lived a full and happy life until the very end and stated often that he was ready for whenever the Lord would call him Home.

Howard is preceded by his parents; sisters Nellie, Carrie, Rose, and Neta; and brothers Mack Jr., Charlie, Broadus, and Hugh. He is survived by his wife, Ellen; children, Scott (Alex), Karen (James), Barry, and Greg; grandchildren, Adriana and Emily; brother, Rob; beloved in-laws; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family is thankful for the loving care that Daddy received from the Staff at the Manor during his residence there, “Thanks, also, to Renée Atkinson Gibson, Daddy’s independent care manager, for her guidance and devotion to their care over the last two years.”

The family suggests memorials be made to the Howard Hampton Brown Scholarship at Francis Marion University, Post Office Box 100547, Florence, SC 29502-0547, or to Gideon's International, PO Box 97292, Washington, DC, 20090.

In remembrance of Rev. Howard Hampton Brown, the family has requested a private family service, the services will be streamed at 11:00am Saturday on Facebook.  Pastor Joe Stines will officiate.  Friends of the family will have an opportunity to view Rev. Brown and sign his registry on Friday, June 19, 2020 between the hours of 4:00-7:00pm at Norton Funeral Home, Bishopville Chapel.

Norton Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Brown family.

"Memories are the Legacy of Love"