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William Russell Brown “Bill”


Sunrise: January 7, 1940

Sunset: October 16, 2024

William “Bill” Russell Brown was born in the Corona section of Queens, New York, on January 7, 1940 to Bernice Charlotte Sumter Brown and Charles Augustus Brown, in their family home. He was number five of seven children: Lorraine (who died shortly after birth), Charlotte, Lois (Honey), Florence (Dinky), Charles (Buddy), William (Willie/Khaki), and Gloria.

Bill attended Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic school, then went on to Immaculata High School where he graduated in 1957. He matriculated into Baruch College, City University of New York, and majored in accounting. There, he met fellow student Tecla Yvonne Hurley in 1959 and the two married in 1961. The young couple moved to the Bushwick section of Brooklyn.

In addition to being a college student, Bill also worked at the Swingline staple factory in Long Island City (he would sometimes share stories about his fingers getting stuck with staples :)). During those early years in Brooklyn, Bill and Yvonne welcomed two children, William Russell Brown, II in 1962 and Allyson Denise in 1965.

In 1968, the family moved to The Bronx and bought a house on Bronxwood Avenue (with help from Yvonne’s father, Frank, and older brother, Richard, who co-signed the young couple’s home loan). Two years later in 1970, they welcomed their third child, Jacquelyn Andrea.

By this time, Bill had graduated college and started his career as a Certified Public Accountant, and would soon co-found the accounting firm Stewart, Benjamin & Brown. In the late 1970s, Bill attended Iona College where he received his MBA, and shortly thereafter, opened his own accounting firm, William R. Brown & Company, which grew to become successful.

In the early 1980s, after he and Yvonne ended their marriage, Bill moved to Mt. Vernon, New York. In 1992 he moved to Virginia Beach but spent several years traveling back and forth between Virginia and New York for work. In late 1993, Bill met and married Hope (Murphy) Elliott. The following year, they welcomed their daughter Carson Leigh Sumter (later, their marriage would end).

After many years of travelling back and forth between Virginia Beach and New York for work, in the early 2000s, Bill would eventually fulfill his dream of selling his accounting firm and go into semi-retirement. Bill lived in Virginia Beach for many years before finally settling in New Kent County.

Throughout his life, Bill was an avid athlete and sports fan (he loved the NY Mets, Giants, and Knicks). In his youth, he played baseball and football. Later, he coached Russell’s PelPark baseball teams. As an adult, Bill played several recreational sports including tennis, long-distance biking, lap swimming, skiing, scuba diving, and finally, golf, a game he loved playing into his early 80s. And for a while, after having many accounting clients who were professional athletes, Bill became a certified sports agent and briefly managed two clients in the Canadian Football League.

Bill was also a dedicated and loving family man. Throughout his life, there were many holidays and birthdays spent with extended family as well as various family outings and vacations. Russell, Allyson, and Jacquelyn fondly remember the Sunday morning breakfasts Pop used to cook, among many other memories. Carson remembers Dad taking her to her ballet lessons and their shared love of Justice, their Goldendoodle dog. Bill also spent a lot of time with Carson’s younger siblings as they grew up, particularly Sarandon, for whom Bill was a loving father-figure.

In his later years, Bill would enjoy Sunday dinners with Russell at his house in Newport News and spend weekends with Allyson at her home in Virginia Beach. And together, those three shared a love of watching Mets, Knicks, and Giants games. He also took care of his eldest sister, Charlotte, for many years until she passed away in June of 2024.

Bill also loved to travel—a love shared by both Jacquelyn and Carson—and has taken many trips to many popular destinations in the U.S. and abroad, including France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Egypt, and the Caribbean. Bill also loved talking politics and was a progressive. One important aspect of Bill’s life was his spirituality. He studied metaphysics and practiced meditation for decades. Spirituality was one area that Bill and Jacquelyn shared, as they would often discuss spiritual books and concepts.

Bill also served on many professional boards including The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, VA Society of CPAs, Together We Can Foundation, and the Association for Research and Enlightenment to name a few. He was also very generous over the years with both his money and time. He donated to various causes and nonprofits and mentored a few young Black men, inspiring them to live and do their best in life.

On October 16th, Bill passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter Allyson, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was 84. In every respect, Bill lived a full, rich, and fun life, and was loved by many. His legacy lives on through all the lives he has touched over the years.

Bill is survived by his sister, Gloria Scavella; his children, Russell, Allyson, Jacquelyn, and Carson (Samba); his grandchildren, Anthony, Chris, Yvonne, Tanurah, Chanell, Eddie, Robbie, Krystal, Lloyd, and Tecla; his beloved great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, loved ones, and friends.

 

Memorial Service Saturday, November 16, 2024 2:00 PM Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Boulevard Portsmouth, Virginia

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Condolences(7)

  1. reply
    betty mccain says

    Sincere condolences on the passing of your father. We are praying that God will comfort you.
    Betty and Ronald McCain

  2. reply
    betty mccain says

    Sincere condolences on the passing of your father. We are praying that God will comfort you.

  3. reply
    Frankie says

    I want to take this time and offer my condolences to my family. Dad lived a life we can all be proud of. GOD IS GOOD!

  4. reply
    Stan Jefferson says

    41 years ago I met you and your family. You treated me as your second son. Thank you for your guidance, love and understanding. Love you Bill! Love the family that you were the head of. Thank you dad!!

  5. reply
    Russ Brown says

    I am PROUD to have you as my father, Coach & business guru who NOT only spent the most time with me in my 62 yrs in life, BUT was also a Friend as the years went on. Continue to REST in Peace, William R. Brown, the original……

  6. reply
    Eric Hurley says

    Always a man to admire, you will be missed, Uncle Willie. At lease I’ll get to feel your presence through and continue this journey with Russ, Ally and Jaq.

  7. reply
    Steve Ewell says

    Mr Brown, Although we never met, I sense you are a wonderful man from the positive attributes I admire about your son. He, and I am sure; you alike, makes a wonderful friend who’s outlook on life is inspiring and positive. Rest in Peace and my condolences and prayers to your family. May God’s love be comforting and all encompassing.

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