POPLARVILLE — Funeral services were held at Hart’s Chapel Baptist Church in Poplarville for Sgt. Lerando Brown on Wednesday. Brown was buried with honors at Biloxi National Cemetery.
Brown was a member of the 288th Sapper Company of the Army National Guard based out of Houston, Miss. He was killed in the line of duty in Balad, Iraq, on Saturday, March 15. He is the second Pearl River County soldier to be killed while deployed to Iraq.
During the service, Mississippi’s Adjutant General, Major Gen. Harold Cross, presented the family with the Mississippi Magnolia Cross, saying that Brown’s “strong and unyielding allegiance to the nation showed his true patriotism.”
Cross said he had been with the 288th Sapper Company in Iraq at Christmas, and he knew that Brown was a true hero in ever sense of the word.
“These soldiers know what a hero is because they raise their hands when others would not. (They say) Lord send me, here I am,” Cross said. “With every mission, they become and remain heroes, warriors, and soldiers… God gives us soldiers to protect our freedom. We would not be here without brave men like Sgt. Brown.”
Brown’s father-in-law, Rev. Jimmie Richardson, performed the eulogy, and recalled the time that Brown asked him if he could marry his daughter, Candice.
“Lerando was very adamant about serving his country. I counseled them both about the possibility that he may not come back. He looked at me and said, ‘Reverend, I want to serve my country, and I want to marry your daughter before I leave because I love her’,” Richardson said.
Richardson said Brown knew the dangers of serving his country, but that he wanted to make his mark on the world, and make life better for his wife and children.
After the service, Cross said his prayers were with Brown’s family.
“Our hearts are saddened by the loss of another soldier. He was a brave warrior who laid down his life while defending his country. Our prayers will always be with the family, and also with the soldiers still in harm’s way. We are very grateful for the city of Poplarville and the surrounding areas for turning out in grief and honor for one of our warriors. Today, the Mississippi National Guard has 742 soldiers and airmen in 16 separate countries standing post to protect our freedoms. We can never discharge the debt we owe them, but we can always acknowledge what they have done for us,” Cross said.
Poplarville Mayor Billy Spiers was also pleased with the turnout in support of Brown and his family.
“We’ve lost a friend and a hero… This family lost a loved one. The city lost a loved one. The country lost a loved one. He stood for what was right. What else can you say?” Spiers said.
Brown was 27 years old. He is survived by his wife of 10 months, Candice; two sons, Dequincy Brown and Cordell Richardson; his parents, Ronald Brown and Ira Fairley; two sisters, Crystal Brown and Yolanda Fairley; one brother, Josica Brown; his grandparents, Miller and Hezekiah Fairley; his in-laws, Rev. Jimmie and Janie Richardson; and numerous cousins, friends and relatives.
Active pallbearers were members of the United States Honor Guard. Honorary pallbearers included Josica Brown, Sgt. Benny Jarvis, Carlos Bell, Chase Richardson, Chandler Richardson, and J.J. Richardson.
Local News
Related Photos
-
By Amanda Miller
-
By Amanda Miller
Poplarville says goodbye to Sgt. Brown
- Local News
-
-
MRI INSTALLED
This $1.2 million Magnetic Resonance Imaging equipment was installed at the new location of Highland Community Hospital.
-
Hall suspected of robbery after escaping
A man who escaped from jail after attending his father’s wake is suspected of having carried out an armed robbery on the Texas-Arkansas state line. Johnny Hall escaped from Mississippi Department of Corrections custody on Friday while attending his father’s wake in Picayune.
-
City Hall expansion groundbreaking held
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday at the construction site for the expansion of the historic Picayune City Hall. “You can see our future when you look down Goodyear Boulevard. You see Chimney Square, our high school, The Link at First Baptist Church, Jack Read Park and then our historic City Hall.
-
PRC athletic director says he’ll recommend random drug testing
Pearl River Central athletic director Andy Kivlan told the school board at its Monday night meeting that he will most likely recommend that students participating in extracurricular activities, including band and ROTC, be subject to random drug screening.
-
Supervisors adopt resolution encouraging more economic development in South Miss.
Following a short presentation by State Sen. Tony Smith (R-Picayune), the board of supervisors adopted on Monday a resolution encouraging state officials and agencies to exercise “fairness and parity” regarding location of new industries in Mississippi.
-
MDEQ wants comprehensive waste disposal plan from county
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has told Pearl River County it wants a comprehensive waste disposal plan for the county. Supervisors indicated at their Monday meeting that they are not happy with the request.
-
Police: Powell planned deadly fire for some time
Josh Powell planned the deadly house fire that killed him and his young sons for some time, dropping toys at charities and sending final emails to multiple acquaintances before the blaze, authorities said Monday.
-
Bar fight ends in man being run over
A bar fight Friday morning resulted in one man being run over by the other with a pickup truck.
The fight was reported to Picayune Police officers Friday morning at about 1:44 at the American Legion Hall on Union School Road, said Capt. Chad Dorn. -
Arson suspected at possible murder site
Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department investigators suspect arson was involved in a structure fire that occurred at a home where James Raine was killed last year.
The home at 24 Emma Lane was the scene of what investigators believe was the murder of the 37-year-old Raine in October, 2011. -
Inmate escapes leaving father’s wake
Johnny Hall Jr., 30, escaped from Mississippi Department of Corrections custody Friday afternoon while attending his father’s wake in Picayune.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
