Clifton Brown
Desiring to play from early youth, Clifton finally got a guitar at the age of 29 and set about learning to "pick and strum". Almost every night one winter was devoted to gathering with our next door neighbor, who already knew how to play. Clifton watched and learned chords and such until he could sing and play songs. At that time he had not accepted the Lord as his Savior, but his mother Florence, knew it was only a matter of time before he did so, (because she and others were praying for him). The day finally came one Sunday morning at Oak Dale P.F.W Baptist Church when he accepted Jesus as Lord of his life. From that day until now there has been a special calling upon his life to play and sing for the Lord wherever the door is opened to this ministry. Clifton is a wonderful husband to Frances and a devoted father to sons, Chris and Jamie and four grandchildren, who are all part of The Browns music ministry. His greatest love is for Jesus and reading God's word daily. He is dedicated to his family, but God comes first in his life and he is committed to God's will above all else.
Frances Brown (Nana)
The greatest joy of my life is serving the Lord through music. My earliest memories of singing go back to my youth when I sang in a girls trio at Penderlea Assembly of God church in Penderlea. My sister Joyce, our cousin Ann Stevens and I spent many Sunday afternoons rehearsing the song we would sing that night at church (and all the while loving every minute of it). Little did I know that God was preparing me for this ministry that I am now involved in. I've never learned to play an instrument like most of my family, but rather I've always been contented just to do the odds and ends neccessary for a successful work. My family is so very precious to me. I have a wonderful husband who has faithfully stood with me and fought the battle against cancer for several years. I have the love and complete support of the greatest family in the world. My one desire is to love and serve the Lord with all my strength and to do all that I can for him. I'm so thankful that God called my entire family into this music ministry and that we can work together until he comes or calls us home. We love what we do for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Chris Brown
Hey I’m Chris! I’m the oldest son and bus driver. I play lots of instruments and give God praise and honor for allowing me to learn them all. God has been first in my life for many years. It’s a pleasure to be in this ministry and to work for the Lord. I like to hunt and fish when I can find the time, but most of all I like doing those things that bring honor and joy to my savior. My hope and desire is to continue this ministry until Jesus comes back to take us home.
Teresa Brown
Hello I’m Teresa, Chris’s wife. Though I don’t play an instrument or sing, (at least not when anyone is listening) I try to make myself useful doing other things for the group. God blessed our family with two special children Joseph and Erin who play an important role in the ministry. It’s such a privilege to work for our Lord and Savior. God gives his unconditional love to each of us and created us for his purpose. So as a challenge to all of us let’s read our bibles and get closer to God to find his purpose for us. I believe his return will be soon. I hope he finds us ready!
Jamie Brown
My name is Jamie and I am the youngest son of Clifton and Frances. I play the bass and mandolin. My wife Gail and I have been married for almost twenty years and have two very talented daughters, our twins Julie and Sarah. Rabbit hunting is one of my favorite past times. I am a youth leader at our home church, Maple Hill Missionary Baptist Church. I love working with the boys there. Most of all I love the Lord.
Gail Brown
My name is Gail. I am the daughter of Troy and Edith Gurganus, and I have been married to Jamie for over 19 years. Although I do not sing or play an instrument, I am involved in the group in other areas such as the product table. I work with special needs children at Kenansville Elementary and enjoy my job. I am also a youth leader at our home church. My favorite past time is spending time with my husband Jamie and our twin daughters, Sarah and Julie. I love the Lord!
Bobby Mobley
Affectionately known to his family as "Porky", Bobby plays an extremely important role in The Browns music ministry serving as Sound Technician. He is Clifton's brother and is one of the original members of the group which began in 1975 as The Singing Messengers. He played the bass guitar until he graduated from high school and entered the work force with a second shift job which hindered him from attending some of the appointments booked. He also learned to play the acoustic guitar and plays that instrument in our home church most weekends when we are not on the road singing. He returned to this ministry several years ago after accepting Jesus as his Savior and dedicating his life to the Lord. Bobby is the father of a daughter, Sandra and son, Nicholas. The apple of his eye is his precious little grandaughter, Kyleigh. He spends as much time with her as possible. (They have lots of fun together!) Bobby is committed to serving the Lord through his talents as a musician as well as a great sound tech in our ministry. When you meet Bobby, he always has a smile for you.