Funeral services for Mr. Marlis Cleveland Brown, age 70, of Clayton, TX, will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Dock Lazarine, pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Clayton, officiating. Interment will follow in Clayton Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Mr. Brown passed away on Saturday morning, Sept. 17, 2011, in Shreveport.

Marlis Cleveland Brown was born on Oct. 1, 1940, in Timpson, TX to Preston and Opal McDaniel Brown. Mr. Brown attended Carthage schools. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1961-1966, at which time he was honorably discharged. Mr. Brown married Mary Hellen Sells on Oct. 1, 1966, in Clayton. He worked as a mechanic until his retirement and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being with his family. Mr. Brown was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Clayton. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Sandra Sue Brown.

Mr. Brown is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mary Brown; two sons, James Brown and wife Ami and Mike Brown; one daughter Sandy Oney and husband Paul all of Clayton; one brother, Billy Ray Brown and wife Sandy of Carthage; one sister, Cathy Sells and husband Wayne of Clayton; and six grandchildren, Jason Brown, Matt Brown, Taylor Oney, Emily Oney, Adam Brown, and Leigha Brown. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends also survive Mr. Brown.

Serving as pallbearers are Jason Brown, Matt Brown, Taylor Oney, Billy Wayne Sells, Travis Sells, Chris Sells, David Godwin, and Ricky Aviles.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are Adam Brown, Steve Brown, and Rodney Chaffin.

If desired, memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, P.O. Box 52, Clayton, TX 75637.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.