Henry Columbus Brown, affectionally known as Bobby C. Brown, was born on May 27, 1941, the third of eight children born to the late Dan H. Sr. and Emma Anders Brown in Newport, Jackson County, Arkansas. Bobby accepted Christ at an early age at the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Shoffner, Arkansas, and was baptized by his uncle, O.D Brown, his grandfather, Herbert Williams, and Rev. Felix Brown in 1952.
In September of 1960, he married the late Barbara Jean Dothard, and this union produced four children—Sharon, Pamela, Bobby Wayne, and Henry. Three of his children preceded him in death. Following his divorce, Bobby made a fresh start and moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he began his career as a mechanic with the Midas Corporation. He was a faithful and loyal employee, respected for his strong work ethic, dedication, and commitment up until his retirement.
One of Bobby’s greatest joys in life was a good game of pool. He had a natural gift for it —his skill and precision were unmatched. For Bobby, pool wasn’t only a game; it was a way to connect and share time with friends. His legacy will live on in every story told around the pool table.
A man of strong faith, Bobby loved the Lord and was a faithful, longtime member of Grace Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Jonathan K. Davis.
He departed this life on Monday, December 29, 2025, at St. Louis University Hospital. He was greeted by his parents, three children—Pamela, Bobby Wayne, and Henry, and four siblings—Emma Ruth, L.D., Willie, and Mae.
Bobby leaves to cherish his memory two daughters; Sharon (Herbert) Borders of Newport, Arkansas and Deidra (Willie) Fortson of St. Louis, Missouri; one sister Shirley (Eddie) Williams of Newport, Arkansas; two brothers; R.J Brown of St. Louis, Missouri and Dan (Lynn) Brown of Jacksonville, Arkansas; one brother-in-law; Alvin Dupens, Jr. of Newport, Arkansas; 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and a lifetime of friends.
Visitation will be on Saturday, January 10, from noon to 1:00 p.m., with the service beginning afterward. Internment will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery-Shoffner.
