Obituary of Willie Edward Brown, Sr.

Willie Edward Brown, Sr. was born on June 9, 1944 to the union of the late Dorothy E. Brown and Arthur T. Brown in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the youngest of seven children. Affectionately known as Billy, he was baptized as a child in 1955 and later as a deacon in 1999. Willie transitioned peacefully on January 1, 2023. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church. Willie was educated at Elementary and Middle schools in the Cherry Hill neighborhood. Willie graduated from Carver Vocational High School and later received his Food Services Management degree from BCCC in Baltimore. On his way to school one day, Willie met the love of his life, Ruby Lee Williams. They married on June 11, 1967. That 55 year union of marriage was blessed with one daughter and one son. Willie began working at St. Agnes Hospital in 1965 and retired in 2006 after 41 years. To stay busy, Willie worked part-time at ABACUS, Bath Fitters and the Best Western Hotel & Conference Center in Baltimore. Willie decided to stop working and fully enjoy his retirement in 2020 at the age of 75. Willie loved to sing and play his guitar. Willie enjoyed going on cruises, bus trips and watching the Price is Right and Gunsmoke. Willie loved to read and color with his great-granddaughter, Sophira. He enjoyed talking to his brother, Theodore, daily on the phone. Willie leaves to cherish: His loving wife of 55 years, Ruby L. Brown; daughter, Tonya Evang-Brown (Mark A. Brown); son, Willie E. Brown, Jr.; granddaughter, Ashley Evang; great-granddaughter, Saphira Evang and brother, Theodore Brown; sisters-in-law, Callie Seawells (Charles), Betty Sample of Baltimore, MD, Mary Watkins of Georgia, Doris Williams of Florida, Linda Opeloye of Chicago and Shirley Holden (Clifton) of Virginia along with a host of nieces, nephews and close friends. Willie was preceded in death by sisters, Ruth Claude (George), Dorothy Brown, Shirley Young, Catherine Cody (Willie) and brother Donald Brown (Beverly).