Vernon Cornelious Brown, son of the late Mildred Marie Brown, entered this world on January 18, 1944, in Gum Neck, located in Columbia, Tyrrell County, North Carolina. Fondly known as Neil by many, he peacefully departed from this life on April 23, 2024, at the age of 80. Vernon attended elementary school in Tyrrell County before he completed his education at Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, Virginia, graduating in 1962. He furthered his education in cabinet making at Norfolk State College. In 1972, he became a member of Queen Street Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia.
In 1972, he entered into matrimony with Barbara Ann Billups, and from this union, they were blessed with two children: Vernon C. Brown II and Tanika R. Brown. Together, they made their home in Chesapeake, Virginia, where they remained until his passing.
He dedicated 30 years of his life to Ford Motor Company before retiring in 2007. A proficient carpenter, he excelled in cabinetry craftsmanship. He took immense pride in his membership in the Wolf Pack Motorcycle Club and cherished the camaraderie it offered. His love for motorcycle riding took him on adventures across the globe, a passion he held dear to his heart. Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather was an extraordinary man, characterized by his strength and resilience. He showered his wife, children, grandson, relatives, and friends with unwavering love, regardless of the sacrifices it demanded. He was a true gem in human form. Vernon embraced life with zest and wisdom. Serving as the family’s pillar of strength, he freely imparted his advice, always with an open heart. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
Vernon C. Brown is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara Ann Brown, his son, Vernon C. Brown II, daughter, Tanika R. Brown, and his grandson Jediah D. Motley, whom he adored dearly. Notably, he is also survived by his uncle, affectionately regarded as his brother, Dr. George Walter Brown. He also leaves behind an aunt, Vera Griswell Brown, a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends whose lives he profoundly touched. While they grieve his loss, they will also celebrate how he connected to every family member, and the remarkable life he led. Preceding him in death were aunts and uncles who throughout their lives were like his siblings: Ivadean Hunter (‘C’ Cam), Charlie Brown, Lucy Barrow (Calvin), Eva Basnight (William), Bessie Mizell (Leonard), Dr. Christina Brown, and Robert Brown.
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Darryl Choate says
April 26, 2024 at 11:23 amMy sincere condolences to the family. A great co-worker and person. I enjoyed our conversations over the years.
Carnell Hendrick says
April 30, 2024 at 6:02 amMy condolences and prayers to the Brown family. Mr Brown was an individual that I truly admired. He will be truly missed. May he rest in peace.
Wilbert A McCoyJr says
April 26, 2024 at 12:08 pmMy condolences to Vernon’s family
Glen Spencer says
April 26, 2024 at 5:08 pmTo Barbara and family so sorry for your loss. I had known Neal for over 50 years. He was like my big brother. He was always the same everytime you saw him.
Jim Fox says
April 26, 2024 at 5:28 pmCondolences to Vernon’s family. I considered Vernon as a friend and looked forward to seeing him in Memphis and Clarksdale. RIP
Katina says
April 26, 2024 at 9:28 pmI’m going to miss Mr.Brown, when I would see him he would always called me “Tina Marie” and it would put a smile on my face. I’ve known the family for abt 30 years and his love for his family was simply beautiful. I’m so grateful for the time and will cherish the memories for a lifetime!
Charles DeBerry says
April 27, 2024 at 8:27 amI’m so sorry to hear of your loss. He was my Good Friend and loved talking with him. We will miss him greatly. Gone way to soon
Preston and Geraldine Gibbs Brown says
April 28, 2024 at 9:48 amSorry for the family lost. He will always give encouraging words when asked a question. I’m going to miss his voice and laughter during family gatherings and visits. I will always remember how he showed happiness of being around family and friends.
Sylvia Butts-Cummings says
April 28, 2024 at 12:57 pmCondolences to the family sorry for your loss. Worked with Mr.Brown at Ford plant in Norfolk Mrs.Sylvia Butts-Cummings
Jock and Barbara Dalton says
April 29, 2024 at 12:05 pmApril 29, 2024
Our deepest sympathy to the family. We were stunned by this news. Vernon was a friend and co-worker, we worked together on the night shift at the Ford Plant, he will be very much missed.
May you be comforted in knowing that our Heavenly Father cares for you, and will give you strength and courage to cope with your grief.
Bobby & Lucille Gregory says
April 30, 2024 at 4:53 pmMy deepest condolences to the Brown family my friend of many years who I meet in the early 60’s and later worked at Ford Motor Company for many years we remained friends till the end have peace in knowing he’s now resting in God loving arms Bobby Gregory & Family
Bobby Gregory says
April 30, 2024 at 4:37 pmDeepest condolences to the Brown family I met him in the early 60″s we later worked at Ford motor company for many years and remained friends till the end thoughts and prayers during your sorrowful time keep your hands in the Gods loving hands Love Bobby & Lucille Gregory
Eric W Rogers says
May 1, 2024 at 1:20 pmPrayers of comfort & peace are extended to the family and friends of Mr. Vernon C. Brown. May God continue to strengthen, bless and keep you at this hour.
With Love,
Eric W. Rogers & Family
Eleanor Robinson Goss says
May 1, 2024 at 3:29 pmMy prayers and condolences as you lay your husband, father, and grandfather to rest.He was a very special person. May he rest in peace.
Nadine Motley says
May 1, 2024 at 8:43 pmPrayers to the Brown family,so very sad another one of our Brothers has gone too soon,but there is comfort knowing we shall see him and ride with him again,RIP,Va Beach Riders
Myra Harris says
May 2, 2024 at 11:17 amSorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family. Neal was an amazing person. Hold on to your memories.
Branita Johnson says
May 2, 2024 at 12:09 pmSending Prayers and condolences to the Family and Friends. May God give you strength and peace during this time 🙏 ❤
Sonya Allen says
May 2, 2024 at 2:32 pmHello I am so sorry for your lost my prayers go out to your family! I am a close friend of Vernon Jr. and I just want to send my condolences 💐 to the Brown family ! May God continue to give you strength to get through this time.
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