John Oliver Brown, Sr.

Mr. John Oliver Brown, Sr. was 86 years of age when God decided to bring home one of his special creations after being in a lengthy home hospice care. John was born and raised in Williamsburg, Virginia. He attended and graduated from Burton Heights High School where he played on the basketball team. John later became a member of the United States Army where he bravely served his country in the Korean War. He earned the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars, the National Defense Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. He married Louise Inez Johnson-Brown of Toano, VA., and later resided in Brooklyn, New York and raised three children, Emanuel (Chucky), LaLora (LaLa) and John Jr. After the passing of his wife in 1993 and retiring from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and previously an employee of Breyers Ice Cream Company, John moved back to Williamsburg to be closer to family and friends. He rededicated his life to God and started playing drums for two local churches. John Sr. was a fun loving and encouraging cool person to be around. He had a smile that would light up the room. He loved to cook, go fishing, watch sports, dance and laugh. He took pleasure in checking on family and friends. John was known in love to all that truly knew him by many names; John, JB, Big John, Bubba, Big Bubba, Pee Wee, Pop, Brown, Mr. J, Mr. Brown, Mr. B, Old School, Poppy, Dad, Boo and My Friend. Mr. John O. Brown Sr. is survived by his children, LaLora T. Brown-Mason (LaLa) (Charles Mason), John O. Brown Jr. and Emanuel Randall (Annie Randall); grandchildren, John O. Brown, III, Emanuel Randall, Jonathan Randall, Jermone Randall, Walter Jones Jr., and Cassandra Mason; sisters, Ellen Bridgeforth; brothers, Charles Vaden (Joan Vaden), Alfred B. Vaden; aunt, Helen Zeigler; sister-in-law, Hester Lee of New York, Brother-In-Law, Booker T. Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 27 from 6-8pm at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188, where a funeral service will take place on Thursday, August 28 at 12:30pm. Interment will follow at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, VA. Online condolences may be offered at www.nelsencares.com.