Earnest "EJ" Brown

Earnest James Brown was born on December 25, 1931, to the late Clifford and Lezzie Brown in Hendersonville, South Carolina. By some, he was known as “EJ” and by others he was affectionately called “Big Bubba”.  On Monday, August 9, 2021, with his sword, Earnest pierced the sandy banks of time, trading time for eternity.

He was educated in the public school system of Colleton County. As a young man, he was employed by Red Durham’s Car Lot. There, he started his career as an auto mechanic. Later, he was sent to Charlotte, North Carolina to become trained as an Auto Transmission Technician . After he returned home, he  went back to work with Mr. Red  a little longer.  Earnest  was then  introduced to the owner of Jim Bilton Ford and became employed there for over forty years.

He was a member of Zion AME Church, Hendersonville, South Carolina where he served faithfully. Earnest was also a  member of Douglas Lodge #277.

Around 1952, Earnest met the love of his life,  Shirley Ackerman. On April 3, 1954, they were joined in marital bliss and enjoyed sixty-seven years of love together.

Earnest  was a jack of all trades and was known for his master farming skills. From the cows to the hogs, to the John Deere tractors, he enjoyed being on his farm every day. He was a mild, calm gentle man that loved being around his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Lezzie Brown; siblings, Vernell Harris and Queen Ester Brown; one son, Johnny Brown and a nephew that was like a brother, Robbie Brown, Jr.

Those left behind to cherish his loving memory and legacy, his loving wife, Shirley T. Ackerman Brown of the home; children, Ernest Brown (Ellen), New York, New York, Shelia Bell of the home, Rhonda Mitchell, Walterboro, South Carolina; granddaughter raised as a daughter, Tarosa Brown, Stone Mountain, Georgia; grandson raised as his son, Sheldon Brown, Hendersonville, South Carolina; eleven grandchildren; forty- four great grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren; two brothers-in-law Robert Ackerman, Boston, Massachusetts and Oscar Ackerman (Sharleen), Seattle, Washington; his good friend, “Chubby," along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

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