JACKSONVILLE NC - "Jerry" Jerome Sheldon Brown

A remarkable journey came to a close today Saturday November 8,2025. Jerome Sheldon Brown born on May 6,1937, to Irving and Lena Brown in Brooklyn NY has passed away. With family at his side, he peacefully passed on to Heaven where his beautiful bride has been waiting for him for the past 10 years. Jerry was the husband and closest friend of Barbara Ann Sproul Brown who preceded him in death in October of 2015. He is survived by 5 children and their spouses: Ivan Brown of Baltimore, MD, Lloyd Brown of Wilmington, NC, Catherine Brown Renchen of Jacksonville, NC, Gary Brown of Atlanta, GA, Patrick Brown of Raleigh, NC and a multitude of grandchildren and great grandchildren. A faithful Marine veteran that served two tours of war in Vietnam and over 20 years of service. Because one career wasn't enough for him, as an adult with 5 growing children he went to college both to get an undergraduate degree and a master's degree with honors followed by a successful 2nd career as a high-school teacher and coach in Jacksonville, North Carolina at both Jacksonville Senior High School and White Oak School. However far from the rigors of his academic prowess and career demands, Jerry Brown was a shaper of human character both on and off the field of battle and the ball field. He was fiercely passionate about the bonds of his family. His children learned about love firsthand from the man whose example of life was the best teacher of all. Jerry always had the same response when asked his preference for anything from dinner plans to places to visit, "What does mom want?" His idea of an enjoyable experience was simply just spending time with his best friend, Barbara Brown from Ridgewood. Whether on the field of battle, the gridiron, the classroom or in the home, the number of lives permanently inspired by his love and encouragement are too many to ever number. His love will live on in the lives of those of us fortunate enough to have been shaped by his love. It is amazing that God used a man who lost both of his parents at such a young age to be such an inspiration to so many young people. Jerry Brown his life passed away today at the age of 88, but his legacy will continue on for generations.

The family will receive friends Friday morning, November 14, from 8:00 AM until 8:45 AM at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel.  Funeral services will follow at 9:00 AM.  Burial, with military honors, will follow at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.