757.628.1000

Willie J. Brown, Sr.


Sunrise: August 13, 1929

Sunset: May 10, 2020

Willie James Brown Sr. passed away on May 10, 2020. He was born to the late James and Rena Brown from Latta City,
South Carolina. Willie Brown Sr. was predeceased by his wife LETHIA MAE BROWN and four children, Evelyn Rooks, Willie Brown, Jr., Rachel Tynes, and Vivian Newkirk. Three brothers Irving Brown, James Brown and Freddy Brown. Willie Brown moved to Norfolk, Virginia at eighteen and married the Love of his life the Late Lethia Mae Brown; from the union was born Twelve Children. Deacon Brown was a devoted Husband and Father, Brother, and church member.

Deacon Brown retired from Little Creek Amphibious Base in Norfolk, Virginia after over thirty years of devoted service. He worked two to three jobs to support his family. He worked in the Transportation Department, driving the trucks and buses in Norfolk and out of town. He also was employed as a Warehouseman and as Supply Clerk. He received many certifications and awards for his great and outstanding service. One of his employment was working on Ferryboat from Norfolk to Portsmouth. As a part-time job he worked in the janitorial services.

Willie joined the Garden of Prayer on 710 Park Ave in the late sixties. As an active member he served under the leadership of the Late Bishop Levi E. Willis, Sr. Pastors. Deacon Brown drove the church buses, he became a Deacon
and joined the Usher Board and the Choirs. He enjoyed ushering and greeting all of God’s people. When it was his
Sunday to usher or sing in the choir, he would make sure his uniform was ready the night before. He loved the Lord
and served faithfully until his health started to decline.

Deacon Brown had a great smile and big heart. He loved his wife and twelve children with all his heart. He always supported his wife and children in whatever they needed or desired out of Life. Daddy always had good advice and
worked hard to take care of his Family and watch God bring blessings in their lives. Daddy loved the Lord. When we had Holiday dinners, daddy would always pray before we ate. He started praying and crying and just thanking God for his family. You could feel the Love throughout the entire house. That was just the kind of man he was. You could feel the love when he was around. He was a great man and father. We “Love You Daddy” from the Family. We accept the will of God in the passing of our beloved father.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories his six daughters Carolyn Broom (Allan) of Norfolk, VA, Gloria Hinson (Jesse) of Virginia Beach, VA, Nancy Randall (Norman) of Richmond, VA, Elizabeth Dawson (Alvin) of Norfolk, VA; two sons, Daniel Brown (Priscilla) of Virginia Beach, VA and Samuel Brown (Anika) of Waldorf, MD; one sister, Harrietta Brown of North Carolina; two brothers, Sam Brown and Henry Brown both of South Carolina; three sons-in-law, Pastor Alvin Rooks, Sr., Wilbur Tynes and Charles Newkirk; thirty-nine grandchildren, fifty great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives, saints and friends.

Love the Family

Viewing Friday, May 22, 2020 2:00pm - 6:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 Service Saturday, May 23, 2020 11:00am Garden of Prayer Worship Center 1001 Church Street Norfolk, VA 23510 Interment Woodlawn Memorial Gardens 6329 E. Virginia Beach Boulevard Norfolk, VA 23502 The family is following the CDC and State of Virginia guidelines for funeral attendance

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Condolences(5)

  1. reply
    Tracy Whitaker Hamilton says

    To the Brown Family I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of deacon Brown, I remember him very well from growing up at the Garden of Prayer Temple, he’s was a kind and gentle soul, I’m sending prayers to you all, but you can definitely take comfort in knowing he is resting safe in the arms of God and reunited with the love of his life sister Brown and his Bishop, what a joyous time the are having in heaven May God continue to bless you all in this difficult time????????????????

  2. reply
    Thomasina J Valentine says

    Praying for God’s peace during the initial grief for one of the giant pioneer families of GOPT Portsmouth, Va., the Brown family. Deacon Brown’s physical presence is missed, yet his legacy lives through each of the children, grand children & other family. The historic Family & Friends Sunday would conclude in laughter with the Brown family winning “most family in attendance” given they had a dozen children. The look from the balcony of Mother Brown turning her head looking around & counting her children present and Deacon Brown sitting proudly & confidently with the largest smile on his face continue to be priceless & etched in my mind!
    Rest on Deacon Brown!

  3. reply
    Frená Givens says

    Praying for your family today.Asking God to comfort you’ll as you celebrate the life of Mr. Brown.

  4. reply
    Dee Brown says

    To the Hinson Family.May God Give you Strength and comfort in this time of Sorrow .Know that your Loved One is in a better Place .

  5. reply
    utcwtvilbx says

    Muchas gracias. ?Como puedo iniciar sesion?

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