Bishop Edward Lynn Brown, the 46th Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, passed away on November 22, 2019, at 11:55 p.m., announced CME Senior Bishop Lawrence Reddick in an online post. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Brown, who retired in 2010, was well-known in the L.A.-area for his strong community and social justice activism during the 1980s and 1990s. Elected bishop in 1986, he was assigned as the presiding prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District, which encompassed California, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington and Alaska Regions.
Previously, he was the denomination’s general secretary of the Board of Publication Services as well as pastor of Temple of Love CME Church and Mt. Pisgah CME Church, both in Memphis, Tennessee. Throughout his ministry, Brown was highly recognized for his deep commitment and outstanding contributions toward improving the life of his fellowman.
A native of Madison County, Tennessee, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee; a Master of Divinity degree from Phillips School of Theology at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, and completed doctoral studies at the McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois.
Bishop Brown is survived by his wife, Gladys; daughters, Donna Brown and Cheronda Brown Guyton; and four grandchildren. His son, the Rev. Alonzo Victor Brown, preceded him in death.
Condolences can be sent to Mrs. Brown and the Family at 4250 Thunderstone Circle West, Memphis, TN 38125.
