Deacon Klara Greene Brown – Formerly of Monessen

Deacon Klara Greene Brown, 85, of New York, N.Y., fell asleep in the Lord, Friday evening, Nov. 22, 2019, at the home of her beloved sister, Dorothy Byrd. She was born Nov.14, 1934, in Monessen. Deacon Brown was the daughter of the late Lynward Dewey Sr. and Estelle E. Bailey Greene. She received her primary and secondary education in the Monessen Public School System, where she was the recipient of many letters and awards for basketball achievements. She was also very active in the Monessen High School glee club. Upon graduation from high school, Klara continued her education to become a licensed practical nurse. However, due to the lack of employment opportunities she moved to New York City, where she obtained a secretarial certification. Her first job was as an administrative assistant at the International Social Services Association, where she worked for 11 years. Her interest in providing health care administrative support led to her accepting a position as a coordinator for billing at St. Luke’s Hospital, nephrology department. While there, she honed her skills and was promoted to a managerial position, which opened doors to employment at New York Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering, from which she retired due to illness in 2011. Having been a member of the Sloan Kettering family, she was treated for her illness with love, deference and excellent care. Klara was baptized at Union Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Rev. H.A.S. Cooke. Klara loved the Lord and it came through as she ministered in song. She was offered an opportunity to sing with the Gospel group Wings Over Jordan, but due to her youth her parents declined the offer. In 1971, she became a member of New Mt. Zion Baptist Church, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Edward L. Satchell. Along with being a member of Choir No. 2, she was also a member of the senior choir for over 35 years. Her favorite song to sing was “It is Well with My Soul.” Ms. Brown served two terms as chairperson of the church anniversary celebration, along with being a dedicated member of the Board of Christian Education for 40 years. She was ordained as a deacon on Oct. 30, 1998, and served as chair of the Diaconate Ministry from 2008 to 2012. Deacon Brown was one of the founding members of the Community Outreach Ministries, where she spearheaded the school drive, community worship in the park and feeding of the homeless. Klara was one of the organizers of the media ministry as well as being the co-chair of the anniversary committee for five years, Sunday School teacher and mentor to the youth. One of the highlights of her life was when she received her diploma from Faith Bible Institute in 2012. From her New Mt. Zion Baptist Church, she received many awards, including the recent Church Humanitarian Award, of which she was the first recipient. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry Edward Brown; her sister, Bertha Ida Jones; and brother, Lynward Dewey Greene Jr. Left to cherish her memory are her brother, Donald Greene (Billie); sisters, Dorothy Byrd and Jessie Reynolds (Ulysses); her godchildren, Myoumi, Benjamin and Ashley; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and other relatives and friends. Arrangements were entrusted to William R. Taylor Funeral Home, 645 McMahon Ave., Monessen, Trudy L. Taylor, director in charge. There will be a musical tribute from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Christian Life Ministeries 1201 Patton St., Monessen, on Friday, Nov. 29. The service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, with Elder Jack Howell officiating. Interment will be at the Belle Vernon Cemetery.