Former Jefferson Davis County Sheriff, Rev. Thomas Brown, age 85, died April 9, 2014, at the Jefferson Davis County Extended Care Facility in Prentiss. Services for Rev. Brown were held on April 19 at Shady Grove MB Church, with Pastor Gary McInnis officiating. Interment was in the Shady Grove Cemetery, with Laird Mortuary in charge of all arrangements.

Rev. Brown was the son of Thomas Brown, Sr. and Alberta Adams Brown. At an early age, Rev. Brown moved with his family to Chicago, IL, and united with the True Temple of Solomon Church, where he became an ordained minister.

Rev. Brown met and married the former Ruby Lee Barnes of Prentiss while living in Chicago in 1969. After moving to Prentiss, Rev. Brown joined the Shady Grove MB Church in Silver Creek, and remained a member until his death.

Rev. Brown made history by becoming the first African-American chief deputy, and later sheriff, of Jefferson Davis County.

Rev. Brown’s survivors include his wife of 45 years, Ruby Lee Brown; reared children, Linda Barnes, Carolyn Williams, Justin McDonald, all of Prentiss, Jerry Parkman of Mandeville, LA, and Eric McDonald of Gulfport; two sisters-in-law, Vellar Sims of LaPlace, LA, and Luella Lucas of Chicago, IL; four grandchildren; and a number of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.