Nehemiah Maceo Brown, Jr., was born to Nehemiah Sr., and Nanny Brown on March 4, 1925 in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. Nehemiah and his siblings were taught to work hard and earn their way. A family man, self-made businessman, union leader and a devout Christian, Nehemiah laid a strong foundation for his children’s children. On February 4, 2021, Nehemiah Maceo Brown, Jr., answered God’s call and transitioned from this earthly life to his heavenly home.
In 1943 Nehemiah married the love of his life, Mildred Williams Brown, and together they raised ten children. Mildred coined the name “Honeyman” for Nehemiah, which would become the name that many called him, including some of his grandchildren.
Nehemiah owned and operated rental properties, while working in the transportation department at Norfolk Naval base. He was one of the first persons of color to be employed as a crane operator for the Naval base. He was issued a medal of honor for saving the life of another worker, and as a result, he would eventually serve as the union leader for one of the largest unions on the base. Over his tenure he won many citations and awards. Nehemiah positioned himself for retirement at the young age of 57, and it was at that time that he and his wife were able to completely focus on building their real estate business. He groomed his children by teaching them the nuts and bolts of the business.
Nehemiah’s calling to aid those who were less fortunate led him to create housing opportunities for community residents who otherwise could not afford to live comfortably.
Nehemiah and Mildred were faithful members of the Angelic Church of God In Christ, where he served as a deacon. He loved his pastor and church members, and he would frequently say “I am blessed by the best.”
Nehemiah supported many worthwhile causes, often quietly, and was a devoted member of the NAACP, where he worked tirelessly to effect change throughout his community. He was also involved in his neighborhood community watch program.
Nehemiah was a brilliant man whose passion for The Lord led him to study the scriptures faithfully, and he made sure each of his children were in church on Sunday mornings.
Nehemiah was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Mildred Brown; son Melvin Hardy; son Constantine Brown; and his daughter Mildred Dolly Clark; his brother Clyde Brown and sister Audrey Clark. He leaves to cherish his memory his children Nehemiah “Butch” Brown, III, Leroy Hardy, Regenia Justice, Clyde “Ronnie” Brown (Celestine), Montgomery Brown, Priscilla Feaster, Wilhelmina Peck (Robert), Nathaniel Brown (Paulette), Cecil Dorrel Brown (Tanya); a sister Vernelle “Cubie” Eure, a brother Thurston “Shortie” Brown; 27 grandchildren, 33 great- grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren; a devoted aid and friend Angela McGruder; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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Charles Brown says
February 9, 2021 at 9:00 amFamily, God bless and keep you all. I remember my cousin as a righteous man. I am a better man for having known him and been in his company.
Celeste Greenhill says
February 9, 2021 at 9:17 pmWillie, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. My heartfelt prayers and condolences are with you and your family.
Sheba Edwards says
February 10, 2021 at 10:03 amThe Selby family send you are condolences for the loss of your father we ask that God will comfort you
Bessie Thomas says
February 11, 2021 at 12:28 pmThe Thomas family will like to offer their condolences for the loss of your father. We have known the Brown family for many years that was made up of love and laughter. Today receiving the news was a sad day to have heard this. But we will keep you all in prayer and ask for comfort to the family.
Gloria Ellis and Family says
February 11, 2021 at 5:52 pmWe are sorry to hear about the passing of your loved one. Praying for you and your family.
Ruth and Joe Vaccaro says
February 12, 2021 at 3:07 pmJoe joins me in expressing our condolences on the loss of your grandfather, Clyde. We hope that you find comfort in the memories you’ve shared. We are here to support you and Kim in any way we can.
Mrs. Janna Munden Blackwell says
February 12, 2021 at 7:26 pmDear Brown family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Yoiur family is in my prayers. Deacon Brown was such an awesome man of GOD. His love of GOD was ever present in all of his actions. I am really going to miss the beautiful and heart-felt prayers that Deacon delivered on Sundays at Angelic COGIC. I am also going to miss his impeccable attire! Deacon Brown was always sharp (dapper) from his hat to his shoes! I will cherish those memories; and I pray that these and other precious memories will live on in the hearts of Deacon Brown’s family and loved ones. Rest In Peace Deacon Brown.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Janna Munden Blackwell
Ricardo Brown says
February 13, 2021 at 12:09 pmCondolences to the family of Uncle Honeyman. May his soul rest in peace. Nephew, Rick Brown.
Diane Turner says
February 13, 2021 at 1:10 pmCondolences to my loving Brown Family. Rejoice in the Lord for he is wonderful. May you find peace and understanding through prayer. Absence from the body is to be present with the Lord.