RIP Bishop Kervy Brown, Gospel Singer and Church Leader – Journal of Gospel Music

By Robert M. Marovich

Dennis Bines informs JGM that gospel singer and church leader Bishop Kervy Brown died on Sunday, July 7, apparently of a heart attack. He was 65 years old.

Born in New York on May 21, 1959, Kervy was inspired by the singing of his mother, Mary Brown, lead singer of the Faith Gospel Singers. Kervy himself later sang in the Bronx Mass Choir. Through the mediation of Bishop Albert Jamison, Brown became a member of the Gospel Music Workshop of America at age twenty and remained a member of the GMWA for over forty years. He can be heard conducting the youth choir on the GMWA recording “Pass Away.” The Tampa Experience (2004).

Brown gained national attention through his work as lead singer with Bishop Hezekiah Walker and his Love Fellowship Crusade, a choir of which he was a founding member. His most popular lead vocals included “Make It to That City,” “Lord Do It,” and “The Lord Will Make a Way Somehow.” Brown also led “Victory” on the 1988 album Rev. Charles H. Nicks presents the Baptist Assembly of Free Spirit Churches – Volume Two. Brown has had his own solo projects, the most recent of which was 2022 Our God Reigns.

Brown was called to pastor Greater Deliverance Temple in Danville, Virginia, in 2009 and was named bishop in 2018 under the leadership of Bishop Hezekiah Walker. While serving at Greater Deliverance on July 7, the first Sunday of his month-long 15th anniversary as pastor, Brown collapsed and died.

He leaves behind a wife, a daughter, a granddaughter and other family members. JGM extends its sincere condolences to the family, friends and many fans of Bishop Kervy Brown. Homecoming details will be released as soon as they are available.