Emory Lester Brown

Emory (Topsy) Brown passed away peacefully at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center in Palatka on the 27th day of January 2019. He was born in Hampton to Thomas Franklin and Laura (Jones) Brown on the 15th day of December 1927. While his birth name was Emory, anyone who knew him referred to him as Topsy. When Emory was young, an aunt called him "top top", he thought fondly of the nickname and started to call himself Topsy. Topsy was raised in the house he was born in. The house was on a farm and he continued to live there after his parents passed. Topsy attended The University of Florida for a few years before enlisting into the Navy. His service only lasted eighteen months because by the time he was through training, WWll had ended and he was sent back home. When he returned home he decided that he wanted to be a carpenter and worked for himself, Triest Construction CO. of Keystone Heights, MacArthur Builders of Gainesville, and Tacachale of Gainesville. On the 20th day of July 1952, Topsy married the love of his life, Van Parrish. They lived and raised their four children in the same house that Topsy himself grew up in. Topsys final days were full of abundant love and the fondest of memories. He is survived by his three sons Randy (Bonnie) Brown of McAlpin, Ricky (Mary) Brown of Keystone Heights, Reggy Brown of Hampton, and a daughter Robyn (Dave) Bayes of Keystone Heights; ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren as well as many other friends and family. He is also survived by his longtime friend and companion, Roberta Moselys children whom he loved dearly, Steve Seigler, Mike (Janet) Seigler, Sally (Dave) Kreglo and Susan (Mike) Adams. In addition to his parents Topsy was also preceded in death by his wife Van Parrish Brown; brothers Gordon Weest and T. Frank Brown II; sister Katharine Weest Carbone and longtime friend and companion Roberta Mosely. A Celebration of life will be held at 7 oclock p.m. on the 4th day of March 2019, in the DeWitt C. Jones Chapel in Starke. Visitation will begin at 6 oclock pm. Topsy requested that family and friends wear bright colored clothing and come ready to share laughter and great memories. You may also share memories under Emory Lester Browns obituary on the Jones-Gallagher website. Arrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 620 E. Nona St., Starke, FL 32091. (904) 964-6200.www.jonesgallagherfh.com Visitation Monday, March 4, 2019 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM DeWitt C. Jones Chapel 620 Nona Street Starke FL 32091 US Memorial Service Monday, March 4, 2019 7:00 PM - DeWitt C. Jones Chapel 620 Nona Street Starke FL 32091 US Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Starke 620 E. Nona Street Starke FL - 32091 US (904) 964-6200