02/20/2026
Jerry Lee Brown
Jerry Lee Brown, 82, of Clarkdale, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Jerry was born on April 30, 1943, in Winslow, to Patricia A. Boyle and Robert Alva "Brownie" Brown. He attended Winslow High School and went on to play basketball at Arizona State University his freshman year before transferring to Northern Arizona University. It was there that he met the love of his life, Sheila. Their first date was the Homecoming dance, and just one year later they were married-beginning a beautiful partnership that would span a lifetime and become the center of Jerry's world.
From a young age, Jerry embodied hard work and determination. During college, he worked alongside his father and brother as a fireman on the railroad, spent summers fighting wildfires for the Forest Service, and worked at a local service station. Those early years shaped the man he would become-steady, dependable, and deeply committed to providing for and serving others.
Jerry and Sheila first managed a hotel in Nogales before Jerry began management training in banking. He started his banking career at First National Bank in Flagstaff, where he and Sheila welcomed their two children, Robert (Bob) and Michelle (Shelly). In 1972, Jerry was transferred to Cottonwood to manage First National Bank in what is now known as Old Town Cottonwood.
Jerry built his banking career not just on numbers, but on relationships. He believed in sitting across from someone, looking them in the eye, and making decisions based on trust, character, and community. He took great pride in helping families buy their first homes and cars, build farms, and launch businesses. Over the years, he served the Verde Valley through several institutions, including First Interstate and Wells Fargo, before retiring. Even then, he wasn't finished serving-he continued supporting local bank startups, including County Bank and Country Bank, always focusing on customer relationships and strengthening community ties.
Jerry's love for his community ran deep. He served 23 years on the hospital board at Marcus J. Lawrence Medical Center and Northern Arizona Healthcare, sat on the Clarkdale Fire Board, served on the executive board of the Verde Valley Fair, and was an active member of the Verde Valley Chamber of Commerce. A proud member of the Freemasonry for 55 years, he was honored in 2024 for his longstanding service. He also helped establish the Pop Warner youth football league in Cottonwood and was an active member of the Verde Valley Muzzleloaders. Jerry believed that strong communities are built by people who show up-and he showed up, again and again.
Outside of his work and service, Jerry found joy in the simple, meaningful moments of life. He loved fly fishing and treasured quiet mornings on the river with friends and family. He enjoyed camping, playing guitar, and singing bluegrass music alongside Sheila and close friends. In retirement, Jerry and Sheila spent much of their time in Colorado at the family cabin they built together, traveling the state's mountain roads and attending bluegrass festivals across the country. Those years were filled with music, laughter, and the kind of peace that comes from a life well lived.
Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Sheila; his son, Robert J. Brown, and granddaughter Ezra Coe; his daughter, Michelle L. Zale; his son-in-law, Sonny Zale; his grandson Taylor A. Zale and wife Nylee Zale; and his grandson Travis L. Zale and fiancée Haley Bock.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Patricia A. Boyle and Robert Alva "Brownie" Brown, and his brother, Robbie Alva Brown II, who posthumously received the Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart for his service to our country during the Vietnam War.
Services will be held on Friday, March 13, at 11:00 a.m. at River Bible Church, located at River Bible Church 497 S. Willard Street, Cottonwood, AZ. A gathering will follow at the Verde Valley Fair Grounds. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Jerry's name to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Jerry loved people. He cherished conversation and made it a priority to stay connected, often reaching out with a simple phone call just to say hello or to remind someone they mattered. He adored his wife and family and was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren. He often said how lucky and blessed he was-even through life's challenges.
His life was marked by faith, integrity, generosity, and deep love. Though he will be profoundly missed, his steady presence, kind heart, and unwavering devotion to family and community will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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