William Brown

William George Brown (Bill) an Okie from Muskogee, was born January 31, 1932 , the third child of Ural and Mable Brown. He had two older siblings, Helen (deceased) and Lois Jean and two younger sibling Jack and Marva (deceased) . The family lived in Muskogee and Tulsa before putting down roots in a small Oklahoma farming community, Wagoner, OK. Shortly after graduating from Lincoln High School, Bill struck out on his own moving to Detroit. After settling in and obtaining employment at a foundry, he sent for his high school sweetheart, Virginia, who on January 20, 1951 became his wife, life-long companion and friend. They did almost everything together from going to Wal-Mart, flea markets and Burger King to traveling to far away places. Their union of 55 years resulted in four children, Valorie, Deborah, Gregory and Wendson, four grandchildren Romero Johnson, Lela Torres, Wayne Robinson Jr. and Lori Robinson, one great-granddaughter, Diamond Johnson. Bill loved his family and worked hard to care and provide for them. He was especially close to his granddaughter Lela, who affectionately nick named him “Dut” a name that all his grandchildren called him. Bill retired as Building Maintenance Foremen from the Detroit Zoological Parks Department in 1986 with 31 years of service. He was recognized by zoo and City officials for his efforts of what they termed as “almost single-handedly putting the zoo railroad back in operation” for the enjoyment of zoo patrons. Bill was a skilled tradesman demonstrating expertise as a carpenter, electrician and plumber, skills he used as he personally participated in building five homes for his family. Bill relaxed by going fishing, traveling and square dancing. Decked out in western gear and cowboy boots, Bill and Virginia were quite a pair on the dance floor. Retirement allowed Bill to winter in Florida, getting away from the cold Michigan winters, while providing a place for his children and grandchildren to visit during the bleak winter months. Springtime brought Bill back to his home in Michigan, to his children and grandchildren. In June 2000 at the District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Pontiac, Michigan, Bill took the biggest step in his life. After nearly 50 years, he joined his wife, daughters and grandchildren as a dedicated baptized servant of Jehovah God. He came to appreciate the joy of serving Jehovah and his son, Jesus Christ, and did what he could to live his life in harmony with God’s will while sharing his faith with others. He served as a faithful servant of Jehovah as a member of the Lady Lake Congregation in Florida and Richmond Congregation in Michigan. Bill will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his wife Virginia, children Valorie Robinson, Deborah Brown, Gregory Brown and Wendson Brown, son-in-law Wayne Robinson, Sr., grandchildren Lela and Mario Torres, Wayne and Lori Robinson and Romero Johnson, sister Lois Williams (Alonzo) brother Jack Brown (Josephine) sister-in-law, Lela Williams, Rose Gregory, Essie Martin, Lois Robinson and Saphronia Samuel and a multitude of dear family member, neighbors and true Christian friends. His family honors the memory of Bill and invites you to share Friday 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m with services at 11:00 a.m. at Kaatz Funeral Directors, Richmond. Memorials are suggested to “Wishes of the Family” “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things (will) have passed away” Revelation 21:4 Officiated by: Wayne D. Robinson, Sr. Obituary: Mario Torres Acknowledgements: Our sincere appreciation to all who extended their love and support during our time of sorrow….Family of Bill Brown Family Meal/repast: 65330 Forest Road, Lenox, MI (home of Deborah Brown ) 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

William Brown

January 31, 1932 - April 5, 2006