Family, Friends Remember OKC Man Who Died In Flash Flood

A man, who was tragically swept away in flash flooding, is remembered at his longtime Oklahoma City church.

Sunday, August 11th 2013, 10:25 pm

By: News 9


A man, who was tragically swept away in flash flooding, is remembered at his longtime Oklahoma City church.

Vincent Brown was caring, charismatic man who loved sports, his church and his family. Friends say he would often leave work to be an usher at funerals at his church. Church members say it's a tremendous loss with him gone.

"When you come into the church, the first person you would meet, especially in my aisle, I would see him and he would have a bright smile," says Alice M. Little, pastor's wife.

Walking into Greater First Deliverance Temple, it was easy to spot 60-year-old Vincent Brown, who served as head of the usher board alongside his wife Sandra. But churchgoers say this Sunday was different.

"That was one thing that I missed at church when I walked in, he wasn't there," said Sharon Gallimore, a close friend of the family. "He was just a fun loving, upbeat person, never a down day with Vincent."

Just days ago, Brown was overtaken by flash flooding near his home at 118th St. and Barnes Ave. He was trying to help his daughter, whose car had stalled in the high water. But he disappeared, and police later found his body blocks away near NW 125th St. and Penn Ave.

8/9/2013 Related Story: OKC Grandfather Dies In Early-Morning Flash Flooding

"Devastated, truly devastated," said Scherrie Knight, a longtime family friend. "He was always a helper and died saving his family."

Friends of the family are still in shock as they met at Brown's home to be a support to his wife.

"Vincent was a wonderful man, who took great care of his family," said Monet James, Brown's cousin.

Brown's wife Sandra said in tears that Vincent was her very best friend. For three decades, Brown worked at Tinker Air Force Base and served at his church since 1975. Pastor Vanuel C. Little told his congregation of Brown's compassion and commitment.

"Brother Vincent was our labor force, and he was a hero," Little said. "I was honored to be his pastor."

Little and his wife got the tragic call early Friday morning of Brown's passing. They say their church will never be the same.

"All we can do is just thank God for his life and the people that he helped," Alice Little said. "We won't see him again in this life, but thank God for the next life."

Vincent Brown leaves behind his loving wife Sandra and their seven children and their grandchildren.

The family is still finalizing arrangements, but they plan to have Brown's funeral service Friday morning at his church Greater First Deliverance Temple at 2101 N. Bryant Ave.

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