BROWN

PASTOR CHARLES WILSON

Charles Wilson Brown, born on October 12, 1930, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025, at the age of 94. He was born to Charles Wilson Brown Sr. and Margaret Nowlin Brown in Washington, PA, where he was raised with love and strong family values alongside his six siblings.

In 1952, Charles proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the demolition unit until his honorable discharge in 1954. Shortly after, he met and married Olive, and together they built a loving family of six children.

Charles dedicated 35 years to Mayview State Hospital under the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, working in the field of mental health. For 25 of those years, he led the resocialization program, helping individuals reintegrate into society. His commitment to public service extended beyond his career; he served as the Governor's Representative for the Commonwealth from 1965 to 1967. From 1987 to 1990, he was appointed to the Washington County Health Center, and from 1990 to 1995, he served as Carnegie, Pennsylvania head of the Department of Ordinance and Zoning.

A man of deep faith, Charles was a licensed minister and dedicated much of his life to ministry and community service. He served on the board of directors for Victorious Faith Evangelistic Outreach Ministry, the Chartiers Valley Corps Salvation Army, the Chartiers Valley Industrial Development Authority, the Carnegie Area Revitalization Effort, and Chartiers Valley Area Community Development Inc. He was also a proud member of the Carnegie Lions Club.

Charles never met a stranger—his warmth, kindness, and love for people who earned him the affectionate nickname "Charlie" and "Pap Pap" within his family and community. His life took a transformative turn when he met and married Shirley Brown. Together, they devoted themselves to sharing the gospel and inspiring others to embrace Christ. The two became known as Pastor Charlie and Pastor Shirley.

With Shirley, Charles co-founded Abiding Faith Miracle House, a community-based organization offering spiritual guidance, marriage counseling, abuse support, and rehabilitation services. Their ministry expanded internationally, including efforts to help establish churches in Nairobi, Kenya, where Charles and Shirley traveled to preach and teach.

Charles was widely respected for his leadership, wisdom, and unwavering faith. He touched countless lives through his dedication to evangelism and service, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and faith.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley Brown; his parents, Charles Wilson Brown Sr. and Margaret Nowlin Brown; his daughter, Carol Jean Dean; and his siblings, Georgia Lindsay, William Brown, Vincent Brown, and Ann Reeves.

Charles leaves behind cherished memories with his sisters, Ella Twitty and Alberta Saulene Brown; his children, Richard Brown, Sandra Martin (Paul), Charlotte Bland (Reggie), Stanley Brown (Rosana), Elizabeth Brown, Chrystal Matuscak (Randy), April Thacker (John), Frank Detwiler, Todd Detwiler, and Cory Detwiler; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchild, nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and his beloved community.

Services

A viewing will be held on February 28, 2025, from 5 PM - 7 PM at Solid Rock Foundation Ministries, 435 Broadway Avenue, Carnegie, PA.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will also take place at Solid Rock Foundation Ministries on March 1, 2025, at 10 AM.

Arrangements are entrusted to LEO J. HENNEY FUNERAL HOME, Carnegie, PA.