Clifton Jewel Brown was born on May 14, 1931, in Lott, Texas, to Sam and Cordis Maddie Brown.

He spent his childhood in the Durango-Lott area before moving as a teenager to the Dalworth community in Grand Prairie, Texas. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Dallas, Texas and, at an early age, answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army.

In 1952, Clifton married Joann McKenzie, and to this union one daughter, Denise "Cookie," was born. During his distinguished military career, he attained the rank of Sergeant First Class and served honorable during the Korean War. He retired from the U.S. Army in 1971.

Throughout his military service, Clifton had the opportunity to travel extensively, including time spent working in the Saudi Arabian oil fields. Following his retirement, he settled in Maryland, where he built a successful career as a contractor serving the Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia areas. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own business, Brown Contracting.

Later in life, Clifton married the love of his life, Roena Hairston, and together they made their home in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Clifton was a devoted man of faith who loved the Lord and believed in serving others. Although he was an active member of his local church Pilgrimage Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), St. John Missionary Baptist Church always remained his home church. He lived by the motto: "God, Family, and Faith."

Clifton enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved traveling, dancing, and especially dancing to the music of James Brown. He was a proud member of Livestone Lodge No. 152 and an active member of the Prince George's County, Maryland AARP, traveling to events throughout the country as a representative of the organization.

Clifton leaves to cherish his precious memories his beloved wife, Roena Brown; his daughters, Denise "Cookie" Gambrell and Paula Allen; his grandchildren, Yuleici Gambrell, Geoffrey Nelson (Mary Zane), and Meghan Nelson-Thompson; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; his sister, Myrtle Dixon; his sisters in love, Georgia "Gayle" Hairston and Brenda "Faye" Walker (Jeff); and his brothers in love, Leroy S. Easley (Rev. Marinda) and Keith C. Easley.

In addition to those listed above these individuals held a special place in his heart: Myra Harris, Derrick Harris, Anita Cook, Sherrell Brown, Jerel Moses, Trey Barbour, Subira Kibali, Neyma Kibali, and Saint Jermaine Barbour.

Clifton was also blessed with a special daughter, Linda Trimble; special great niece, Amanda Brown; special friends, Deacon Oliver Thompson, Carl Brown, Travis Mitchell, Gervis Sample, Vickie Rogers, Chris Columbus, Brother Robert Sims, and Brother Willis West; along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Clifton's life is a testament to faith, service, hard work, and love for his family. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.