Earskine "Zeke" Brown Celebration of Life

Until We Meet Again...

To Our Uncle Zeke

Those special memories of you will always bring a smile.

If only I could have you back for just a little while.

Order of Service

We will truly miss all the times we spent of the phone having long conversations filled with laughter and love. Thanks for “rattling our chains.” There will never be another Uncle Zeke – you are truly irreplaceable!

Love, Your Gholston nieces/nephews

Friday, May 29, 2020 – 2:00pm Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace 6601 E. Colfax Avenue Denver, Colorado 80220 Reverend Richard Lewis, Officiating and Eulogist House of Hope Ministries Aurora, Colorado

Then we could sit and talk again, just like we used to do.

You always meant so very much and always will too.

The fact that you’re no longer here will always cause me pain, But you’re forever in my heart until we meet again.

Celebrating the Life of

Prelude ..................................................... Tara Washington Everette/Nathaniel Black Processional ...................................................................................... Clergy & Family Selection ...................................................................................................... Musicians “My Soul Is Anchored”.

Prayer of Comfort ............................................................ Rev. Dr. Timothy E. Tyler Scripture Reading Old Testament ~ Psalm 23 ........................... Mykail Gholston New Testament ~ John 14:1-6 …… Rev. Dr. Timothy E. Tyler Selection ...................................................................................................... Musicians “Wind Beneath My Wings” Acknowledgments, Condolences, Resolutions ........................ Marvin Newton Jr. Obituary ......................................................................... Jacqueline Preston-Gholston Expressions of Love ....................................................................... Family & Friends Selection ...................................................................................................... Musicians “Jesus Promised Me Home Over There” Eulogy ........................................................................................ Pastor Richard Lewis United States Army Flag Presentation Committal/Closing Prayer/Benediction Recessional .......................................................................................... Congregational “Going Up Yonder”

Active Pallbearers

Andrew Brown David Brown Freddie Gholston Mykail Gholston Marvin Newton Willie Mayfield

Honorary Pallbearers

Marquis Brown Fredrick Gholston Jerry Halsell Milton Lockett Sr. Tyrie Newton Aaron Preston Howard Thomas Chris Wilkins

Final Resting Place and Entombment Monday, June 1, 2020 – 10:30am Fort Logan National Cemetery 3698 South Sheridan Blvd Denver, Colorado 80235

Acknowledgement

It is with humble hearts that the family of Mr. Earskine “Zeke” Brown acknowledges appreciation for expression of sympathy during this hour of bereavement. You have shared your prayers, visits, calls and for those acts of kindness we shall be forever grateful. May God continue His blessings upon each of you!

At Ease, Soldier Bruno!

6601 East Colfax Avenue Denver, Colorado Phone: 303-996-0869 Fax: 303-996-0891 www.PipkinBraswell.com “When Someone You Love Becomes A Memory; The Memory Becomes A Treasure.” ©2019 McGee Printing and Video Services Denver, Colorado (720) 707-9419

Earskine “Zeke” E. Brown April 12, 1932 - May 16, 2020

Life’s Journey

Earskine “Zeke” Brown Zeke was born on April 12th, 1932, in Panola, AL. He was the youngest of 4 children born to his beloved parents, Ezekiel and Essie Brown. His birth name was Ezekiel Brown however, as an adult he changed his name to Earskine Brown. Zeke’s father passed away 4 months before he was born. Zeke and his siblings went to live with the grandparents on both sides of the families (Grandparents Taylors and Browns). At the age of 4, Zeke and his siblings were adopted by their aunt and uncle Sadie and Charlie Halsell. They were also raised in the home along with two 1st cousins who they considered as brothers.

Zeke was educated in Panola, AL and Chicago, IL public school systems. He was raised up on a farm where picking cotton and hard work was a way of life. However, Zeke’s self-proclaimed duties were “running errands and being the water boy”. At the age of 17, Zeke moved to the big city of Chicago, IL. Where he lived with his aunt Ruby Halsell on the Westside. At the age of 20, he enlisted into the US Army. His first tour was from 1952-1954, where he was a solider in the Korean War. His second tour was from 1956-1958. While in the military, he was involved in the medical field.

On July 13th, 1956, Zeke wed the love of his life, Frances Mae Gholston. In his own words- he said she was beautiful, full of life, and had wonderful, intelligent conversations. They resided in several cities which includes Chicago, New Jersey, and New York. And in 1969, they decided to make Denver, CO their final destination.

Their move to Denver inspired other family member to follow suit. Zeke and Frances doors were always open to help family members get started in Colorado. They shared 61 beautiful years of marriage before Frances passed away.

Zeke’s hobbies included hosting social and family gatherings, fishing, watching sports, going to the dog track, and telling tall tales. Zeke was known for his great sense of humor and his ability to make anyone who would listen to his stores- laugh until they cried. He was always the life of the party. Outside of the jokes, Zeke was sincerely dedicated and truly loved his family. He was always encouraging others, especially the youth to make a positive impact on society.

Zeke understood to work was to accomplish. In addition to his service in the Army, he worked as a factory worker and held numerous positions at the Veterans Administration, in both Chicago and Denver. On January 31st, 1964, he, his brother Robert E. Brown, and their wives opened a nightclub called the “Beehive Lounge”, located at 317 S. Pulaski Road in Chicago, IL. He would often sit and reminisce with his children and grandchildren about the good times he had while owing the “Beehive Lounge”. His final career was with Burlington Northern Railroad where he finally retired in Denver, CO. Zeke’s early Christian faith was cultivated by his late grandfather Rev. Clyde Brown and inspired by a spiritual community leader named Swilley Belchy. Later, Zeke joined and became a member of “Progressive Missionary Baptist Church” in Aurora, CO. On May 16th, 2020, the good Lord called Earskine “Zeke” Brown to rest. Earskine is preceded in death by his wife, Frances Gholston-Brown; his parents, Ezekiel and Essie Brown; his adopted parents, Sadie and Charlie Halsell; son, Claude Thomas, and brothers, Robert Earl Brown, Willie “Will” Brown, and Ezell Taylor. Earskine is survived by his son, Larry Gholston (Jacqueline); sister, Inez Newton; sister-in-law, Leona Brown, all of Denver, CO; brother, John Lee Halsell of Seattle, WA; he also leaves behind, 7 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild.

Zeke leaves behind cherished friendships with his brother. Jerry Halsell; neighbor, Nosh Tarachand; his special friend, Miss Ezell Green; and a host of other family members including nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.