Dr. Larry Brown's Obituary
Dr. Walter Lawrence “Larry” Brown died on October 16, 2025, in Memphis, Tennessee.
Born in Russellville, Arkansas, February 3, 1951, to Sarah Garner Brannon and William Jennings Brown Sr., Larry lived a life of faithful service to His LORD.
After answering a mid-life call to Christian ministry while living and working in Memphis, Larry attended Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS. He earned a Master of Divinity degree and was ordained in 1990. He served on mission teams in Australia and Japan. He went on to earn a Doctor of Ministry degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL. Dr. Larry W. Brown faithfully served African Bible College (ABC) in Malawi from 1992 until 2025. During his more than three decades of ministry, he served in many roles, including Dean of Men and Director of Outreach, and was loved by students, staff, and the local community. During that time he also earned another doctorate in practical theology and missiology from Stellenbosch University in South Africa.
Larry was both an educator and a shepherd. He regularly taught Missions, World History, Church History, African Church History, and Homiletics, always challenging his students to think biblically and live missionally. Beyond the classroom, he led evangelism trips into Mozambique, preached in local churches, and often visited prisoners—bringing them Bibles as Christmas gifts. His commitment to discipleship was personal; many remember his Friday night dinners at his home, where students gathered for pizza, laughter, and encouragement in the Lord.
He was well known on the ABC campus—often seen jogging around the area with his friendly waves and warm smile. In the early years of the college, he could often be found behind the wheel of a truck, driving students to sporting events or outreach trips.
During a home leave in the US, Larry met Janet, a nurse who shared his love for the Lord and passion for ministry. The two were married in 1997, and she joined Larry in Malawi. In 2001 they joyfully adopted an infant son, Carey. In 2004, Janet died of cancer, a loss that deeply marked Larry’s life. Yet even in sorrow, his faith remained steadfast as he learned to be a single parent to Carey. He continued to serve faithfully at ABC, pouring himself into the lives of students and colleagues.
One memorable story from an outreach trip to Milanje, Mozambique, captures Larry’s courage, humor, and deep faith. In that region, witchcraft is very real, and many people live in fear of its power. Larry boldly preached that “there is no witchcraft,” meaning that the power of Jesus is far greater than any demonic force. The next morning, the team found him asleep—outside on his bed! By doing so, he was showing that he truly believed what he preached and had no fear. Undeterred, he continued to proclaim the same message the next evening with conviction and joy. Nothing seemed to shake his faith or his zeal to share the gospel.
Dr. Larry Brown’s life and ministry left a lasting imprint on the hearts of countless students and colleagues. His faithfulness, generosity, and steadfast love for God and others will be remembered with deep gratitude by the entire ABC family.
Larry is survived by his son, Carey Khetwayo (“the chosen one” in the Ngoni African community) Brown, of Memphis, TN. He was preceded in death by his wife Janet, his parents, his brother William Jennings Brown Jr., and his sister-in-law, Virginia Diane Brown.
Services for Larry Brown will take place at Second Presbyterian Church at 4055 Poplar Avenue Memphis, Tennessee, on Friday, November 7, 2025. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the Salmon room. The funeral service will take place in the Second Presbyterian Church Chapel at noon. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, Carey requests that memorials be sent to Second Presbyterian Church to the Dr. Larry Brown Memorial Fund, attention World Missions Department, at 4055 Poplar Avenue Memphis, TN 3811
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