Berthell Brown "Bert"

To everything there is a season. A time to every purpose under the heaven. A time to be born. Berthell Brown, 78, was born May 11, 1944 to Bert “Cedro” Brown and Bessie Amelia Redd in McAlester, Oklahoma. He accepted Christ at an early age.  He attended L’ Overture High school in McAlester where he played football and was involved in many activities. He graduated in 1962 and later joined the United States Air Force in 1965. He served 4 years. He was stationed in Spain. Berthell spoke French AND Spanish.

On Aug. 19,1969, Berthell started working for General Motors as an assembler. He married Mary Ann Winzer in 1975, and later had his only child: Kendra Brown, in 1977. Bert and Mary’s marriage peacefully ended in 1982. He married Joan Redd in 1990. Berthell retired from General Motors after 37 years in 2006.

Berthell studied and obtained his instrument rated private pilot license. He flew family and friends on many trips. Bert also taught CPR classes at the Red Cross. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and achieved the rank of Captain. Bert taught swimming lessons in the summer at the YMCA. Bert was also a scuba diver. During this whole time, he participated in extreme sports such as Western States 100-mile marathon in the Sierra mountains. He completed marathons in all 50 states, some multiple times and all seven continents.

Bert loved to run and encouraged his daughter, wife and other family members to participate in sporting activities. He achieved over 100 medals and trophies. He was proud to be the exceptional athlete that he was.

Bert was preceded into death by his father: Bert “Cedro” Brown; mother: Bessie A Redd; his daughter’s mother: Mary Ann Winzer; his sisters: Bessie Juanita Redd, Mary Redd, Jeanette Redd. Brother, and Carmen Brown.

Bert is survived by his wife, Joan Brown; daughter: Kendra Brown; stepdaughter: Cathy Jones (Timothy Jones Sr.); siblings: Dinah Redd, Archie Redd, Turhan Brown, Denise Knolley, Tonya McCarther, Lolly Pointer, and host of other brothers and sisters; step-grandchildren: Candace Lockett, Timothy Jones Jr (April), and four great grandchildren.