Deacon Willie A. Brown Sr.

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.” — Psalms 121.1-2

“FATHER I STRETCH MY HANDS TO THEE,” begins the resounding crescendo of Deacon Willie Brown, Sr. as he mounts up in prayer. Head up to GOD, eyes closed with focused attention, he rocks on his tip toes to the meter of his words. Masterfully he tells of GOD’S goodness, makes his pleas to GOD and then give Him praise, He prays till demons trembled, till healing falls, till answers come. He prayed, till the hairs stood up on your neck. He prayed till the heavens opened! Hallelujah, Amen and Amen as he tries to descend from that high place in God’s presence. We loved to hear him pray.

He lived a life of service and prayer!

On Sunday May 17, 2026, special angels were dispatched to receive the soul of God’s servant, Deacon Willie Archie Brown, Sr. summoned by God he peacefully exited this sphere we call time into His Presence to receive rest from his labor.

Faithful Servant of GOD, WELL DONE!

Born, raised, and educated in Seaboard, North Carolina and surrounding counties. He was third in the line of 10, to Wilbert Brown, Sr. and Lucille Faison. He also had 4 older siblings who were near and dear to his heart. Willie was schooled in the faith on his grandmother’s knee, with deep conversations about the Lord. At the age of 8 he was advanced in math and history and was promoted to the next grade. Each time he moved to a new school to farm with his father he continued to prove he was more than capable of doing the work. However, Willie eventually had to leave school just before entering high school to help his parents support his siblings as farming demands increased.

In the field on a hot summer day, Willie prayed aloud, “GOD if you give me a good wife and bless me with children, I will be sure to serve you for the rest of my life.” GOD granted Willie the very answer to his prayer.

Led of God, Willie set out on a journey to find work to help support his mother and siblings and headed to Richmond, VA. Soon after arriving he met the apple of his eye, his soulmate, the confident, beautiful, strong and resilient Clara B. Jackson. On December 21, 1960, Willie and Clara were joined in holy matrimony. For over 65 years their love never waned — it only intensified.

LOVE is stronger than death

He was preceded in death by his father, Wilbert Brown, Sr.; mother, Lucille Brown-Johnson; brothers, Eddie Louis Brown, Sr., George Brown, James Henry Brown; Wilbert Brown, Jr. (June); sisters: Mary Deloatch, Arminta Ash and Louise Lofton.

He was employed by the Hot Shoppe, The RC Cola Company, First and Merchants Bank and Philip Morris USA (Altria). A brilliant man with his mind and hands, he manufactured and patented parts to improve the speed and efficiency of the machines and was awarded accordingly. In 1995, after 25 years at Philip Morris he retired.

A true friend sticketh closer than a brother

Deacon Brown was the manager of his brother’s gospel group and was infamously known as “Bill Street” to his brothers and sisters, and had an inseparable bond with each of them.

Seeking a deeper walk with God, Willie Brown joined the Cedar Street Memorial Baptist Church of God under the pastorate of the late Dr. Benjamin W. Robertson, Sr.

One Lord    One Wife    One Church

With heart, mind, and soul Deacon Brown served the Cedar Street Family. HE SERVED dutifully as an usher, a mentor to many, and was one of the senior Deacons of the Deacon Ministry. For over 50 years he served countless many as the Minister of Sick and Visitation. Endless stories have been chronicled of the faithful care and compassionate service of Deacon Willie Brown, Sr. and his partner in service the Deacon Gilbert Hurte, Sr. Also known as “Grace and Mercy”. For 18 years, Deacon Brown was an ardent supporter of his pastor, Dr. Anthony M. Chandler, Sr. As Dr. Chandler preached, you would always hear Deacon Brown’s strong and powerful “Amen” and “Hallelujah” in concert with the Pastor’s message.

Dad was our ROCK! and HERO!

A great pillar has fallen. Deacon Willie A. Brown, Sr. knew the voice of GOD and GOD knew the voice of Willie Brown, Sr. He communed daily with GOD especially as he worked in his yard. A place where he found peace and loved to be — outside.

He was a father and a father figure to his children, grandchildren, great grand-children and many others. He leaves to cherish many memories, the love of his life, the woman who won his heart, Clara B. Brown, five children: Elder Velda B. Edwards, (Bishop Stanley G. Edwards, Sr.), Cheryl B. Skyers, (Garfield D. Skyers), Deacon Willie A. Brown, Jr. (Deaconess Tracy Brown), Dr. Chelsea B. Clay, (Mr. Michael Clay), and Mr. Jeriel A. Brown. A beloved and chosen son, Mr. Columbus Shackleford. Grandchildren: Denetrice R. Edwards (Nadege Simon), Stanley G. Edwards, Jr. (LaChelle Lyons Edwards); Veronica J. Edwards, Janessa Skyers, Kierston Skyers, Janelle Skyers, Kieron Skyers, Brittney Brown, Willie A. Brown, III, Micah Jenay Clay, Marc Clay, Martese Clay, Darius Wilson, Quincy Brown, Heavenly Brown, and Jaselle Reed. Great-grandchildren: Jazarion Baker, Nylah Ward, Kadence Wilson, Kaliah Wilson, Hassan Brown, Royal Lady Edwards, Shaniah Clay. Brothers: John Brown, Thurman Brown (Theresa Brown), and Leon Brown (Belinda Brown); Sisters: Lula Smith, Martha Boone, and Lucille Brown. Many nephews, great nephews great-great nephews, nieces, great nieces, and great-great nieces, and many cousins, extended family and friends.

Our lives have been forever changed because this great man crossed our paths. To God be the Glory, For the great things He hath done!

Professional services entrusted to Walter J. Manning Funeral Home, 700 N. 25th St., where viewing will take place Friday, May 22, 2026, from 1 to 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Cedar Street Baptist Church of God, 2301 Cedar St., on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery.