By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
The church and gospel music community mourn the sudden passing of Bishop Kervy Brown, who died unexpectedly on Sunday, July 7, at age 65. He collapsed during a service at Greater Deliverance Temple in Danville, VA, where he was celebrating 15 years as the church’s pastor.
Bishop Brown was renowned for his contributions to gospel music. His earliest professional recording as a featured soloist dates back to 1988 on Rev. Charles Nicks Presents the Baptist Assembly of Free Spirit Churches Mass Choir, Volume 2, with the song “Victory.” Over the years, he recorded several solo projects. His latest solo single “My Turn Around,” was released in September 2023. He also guest appeared on recordings with GMWA, Youthful Praise, the late Rev. Timothy Wright, and most recently, Brian Spriggs & Nu Worship. Spriggs’ album, The Art of Choir Music, was released Friday, July 5, featuring the beloved preacher and singer on the track “I’ll Make It.”
Brown’s most well-known musical partnership was alongside his longtime close friend, Bishop Hezekiah Walker and Love Fellowship. Brown was the featured vocalist on many of the Love Fellowship choir projects, leading such favorites as “The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow,” “Make It to That City,” “Never Leave Me Alone,” “I Will Fight,” and “Lord Do It.”
In 2018, Brown was elevated to the office of bishop. At the time of his passing, he served on the executive council of the Covenant Keepers International Alliance (CKIA), presided over by Bishop Walker. In a heartfelt statement released Sunday night, Walker described Brown as a “beloved friend and brother… [who] … has walked with me for over 40 years doing the Lord’s work in the United States and around the world.”
GMF extends its deepest condolences to Bishop Brown’s immediate and extended family, Greater Deliverance Temple, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Love Fellowship, CKIA, and the entire gospel community. In tribute, a segment of this past Monday’s Gospel Music Fever Radio Show on KWAY-db Gospel Station was dedicated to his memory.
Events to Honor Bishop Brown’s Life
Several celebrations honoring Bishop Brown’s life have been announced.
The victory celebration and public viewing is set for Friday, July 26, at 7 p.m., at Bibleway Cathedral, 215 Grant St. in Danville.
The national celebration and official homegoing service takes place Saturday, July 27, at 11 a.m., also at Bibleway Cathedral.
An additional national celebration, “The Praise Finale,” is being held Sunday, July 28, at 6 p.m., at Pilgrim Renaissance Center in Brooklyn, NY.
More event details are on the revised flyer below.
On Monday, July 22, Elder Timothy Womack of Greater Deliverance Temple shared via social media, “Please denote change of venue for Friday evening service. At 7pm, the service will be held at Bibleway. Please remember the viewing from 3pm-5pm is for the members of GDT only along with the invited guest[s] of the Brown family (no exceptions!!!). Everyone is welcome to Bibleway at 7pm!!!!!!”
This article was last updated on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 7:45 p.m.
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear brother and friend. As the Bible says ” absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord”!
We are sending our heartfelt condolences to the family during your time of grief. Bishop Kervy was a wonderful person and the world has experienced a great loss.
We the Holmes, Cooper, and Toogood Family will Miss Bishop Dearly.
Rest On Bishop Until We Meet again…
Our heartfelt condolences and prayers to His Family!🙏🏾❤️
Thank you Dr. Libra!