Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Church near Coffeeville for Mr. Emmitt Merrell Brown, 81, of Coffeeville, who died peacefully on Friday, Oct. 10, at his home surrounded by his family. Burial followed in the church cemetery. The Rev. Truman Scarborough and the Rev. Elbert McKnight officiated.
Emmitt was born on April 1, 1944, in Calhoun County, the son of the late Ottis Merrell and the late Dollie Molene Anglin Brown. He retired as a maintenance supervisor at Heatcraft in Grenada. An active member of Calvary Baptist Church near Coffeeville, Emmitt served as a deacon and in any leadership role where he was needed.
Emmitt enjoyed hunting and was a master gardener, growing huge gardens every year and sharing his harvest with friends and family. He was especially gifted in growing fine tomatoes. Emmitt loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Above all, Emmitt lived a life committed to Christ and lived out his faith on a daily basis.
Survivors include, his wife of 61 years, Thelma Landreth Brown; two daughters, Michelle Brown Kendall (Bobby) of Coffeeville and Jessica Brown Davis (Corey) of Columbia; two sons, Joseph Brown of Water Valley and Daniel Brown (Hallie) of Nesbit; one sister, Angie Shows (James) of Bruce; three brothers, Larry Brown (Gloria) of Paris, James Brown (Paula) of Southaven and William Brown of Bruce; 11 grandchildren, Ashley Fancher, Raeleigh Davis, Corey J. Davis, Sadie Belle Davis, Kaylee Brown, Kyle Brown, Megan Bryant, Michael Montgomery, Malachi Dyer, Micah Dyer and Trinity Dyer; a host of great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and his faithful dog, Dovie.
Kevin Daniels, Andy Fly, Larry Holloway, Bobby Hopper, Pat Koonce and Noah Ware honored Emmitt by serving as pallbearers and carried him to rest in Calvary Cemetery. John Byford, Sonny Parker and Tony Ware served as honorary pallbearers.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
