William Benjamin Brown, Sr.

The memorial service for William Benjamin Brown, Sr. will be live-cast on Zoom and Facebook.

To view via Zoom (and allow the family to acknowledge your presence), please click or tap the following registration link:

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To view via Facebook, please click or tap the following Facebook live link:

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Obituary

A TIME TO BE BORN AND BORN AGAIN

On June 29, 1938, William Benjamin Brown was born in Richmond, Virginia to the late Annie Louise Taylor and James Henry Brown, Jr. His faith journey began when Billy, as his siblings called him, was baptized at Sharon Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. It continued when he, as an adult, became a lifelong member of Kennedy Heights Presbyterian Church, eventually serving as an elder.

A TIME TO LEARN

A graduate of Armstrong High School in Richmond, Virginia, he attended Michigan State University and
earned a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Russian history and Political Science from the University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champion.

A TIME TO SERVE HIS CHURCH

In addition to serving as elder and deacon for Kennedy Heights Presbyterian Church, he was elected Moderator of the Presbytery, the third African American to service in that capacity in the tri-state area. A major responsibility was installation of ministers in the 88 churches in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. After being elected President to the Board of Trustees of the Presbytery Council, William concluded his
official service as Chair of the Presbytery Council.

TRIBUTE TO ELDER WILLIAM BROWN

Faith in God and love for humanity defined the purpose, devotion and practices of Elder Bill Brown. He was an example of the Christian faith by investing his stewardship into servanthood ministries. He answered ‘yes’ to God’s call at any time in his life to serve God’s people. Indeed, he was the servant of all. He was a faithful servant of God in everything noble, pure and righteous, a beloved life member of Kennedy Heights Presbyterian Church. Above all, he was an exceptional gentleman who inspired all of us, a man of integrity.

You can take him by his word. Whatever he says, you will believe. He was a family man who cared deeply for his family and grandchildren.

Mr. Brown, now enjoy your Sabbatical rest till we meet again. We will miss you. Good night and rest peaceful in the shadow of the Almighty God. Amen.

Pastor Ebenezer Yebuah
Kennedy Heights Presbyterian Church

A TIME TO SERVE HIS COMMUNITY

He served as President of Leadership Council of Human Service Executives, and as a productive member of the Boards of Directors of: Maple Knoll, Glad House, United Way of Greater Cincinnati, United Neighborhoods of America and Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses.

A TIME TO LOVE

He and Alberta opened their home to those who needed a place to live and his heart to those who needed an embrace. Working tirelessly to provide opportunities for others, Bill was deeply involved with his family: his wife Alberta, siblings, children, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, cousins, aunts, uncles and in-laws.

Bill, My Love

If life is measured by the way we live.

The way we serve,

The way we give…

If life is measured by the words we say —

The love we expressed on the way…

If life is measured by the smiles we share…

The kindness,

The way we care…

Then YOUR LIFE’s measured is clearly known

For these are all the things that you’ve shown.
Thanking God for allowing you to bring such happiness and joy to all of us.
Now God is giving you back all the love and care you have shown us.
Just know that I will always be thinking of you. So rest in peace my love.

Shortie

A TIME TO WORK

William worked with the medical team as a Corpsman in the Air Force from which he was honorably discharged after receiving two commendations: GGMDL, Air Force Longevity Service Award (AFLSA).

At Procter and Gamble, he held a number of management positions: production planning, contract negotiation, logistics management, site selections, inventory management and customer service.

After retiring from Procter and Gamble, his time was devoted to working as CEO of Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses in five areas: Lincoln Heights, East End, Findlay Street Neighborhood Houses, Kentucky Outdoor Center, and the Central Office in the West End. Seven Hills served seniors, provided child care, served meals to the homeless, conducted afterschool care, summer camp and sponsored academic and athletic programs for teens.

A TIME TO RELAX

In his free time, William enjoyed annual summer vacations to Richmond, Virginia, reading the history of ships and the history of everything else, playing tennis, listening to jazz, watching movies, studying battle ships, and cooking.

A TIME TO ENTER INTO GOD’S KINGDOM

William has gone on to be with his parents and his brother, Chester Brown. Cherishing many fond and loving memories are his wife, Alberta; his siblings, James H. Brown, III, Cassandra B. Bell (Walter), Carol B. Coleman (Vernel) and Margaret B. LaPierre (Jan); his children, Diane Wilkins (John), Karen Brown, William Brown, Jr. and Gregory Swain; his grandchildren, Jahmi Hickson (Christopher), Brittani Cummings, Brandon Wiley, Scott Brown, Tiffany Chatmon, Deandre Brown, Shonari Johnson, Elijah Swain, Mateo Swain, Kanesha Canion and Myesha Marvin; his special nieces and nephew, Krystal Muldrow, Elizabeth Muldrow and Christopher Muldrow; and a host of great-grandchildren, great nieces and nephews, in-laws and friends.