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WESLEY A. BROWN
On Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at his residence in Silver Spring, MD, LCDR Wesley A. Brown, USN, (Ret.), formerly of Washington, DC and first African American graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Class of 1949. He is survived by his beloved wife, Crystal M. Brown; four children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A public memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 6, 2012 in the Chapel of the Academy in Annapolis. Online condolences may be made at www.rappfuneral.com or sent to: Mrs. Wesley A. Brown, c/o USNA Alumni Association, 247 King George Street, Annapolis, MD 21409.
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Valenda Newell
November 6, 2016
Dear Mrs. Brown,
I was in your classes at Uniondale High School. I learned so much from you that I continue to use to this day. Thank you for all that you taught me. I remember you with much kindness and gratitude.
My thoughts are prayers are with you and your family during this time of sadness. It is obvious that both you and your husband touched many lives and left a legacy to live on in others.
With love,
Laura Crowe (now Sanchez)
Laura Crowe (Sanchez)
October 8, 2012
Cmdr. Brown,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your years of dedicated service and sacrifice for our Country when you served in the USN. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Fair Winds And Following Seas
Mike Casey
October 3, 2012
We miss you.
July 5, 2012
All our sympathies to the Brown family. I will always be grateful to have known Wesley and Crystal briefly in our water exercise class at the Martin Luther King pool. Also it was also a privilege and an honor to have Lt. Commander Brown generously give his time to share his story with the public at the Wheaton Library a few years ago. It was lovely to see him encourage young people there who were interested in entering the Naval Academy and to have him share his stories with all of us. Wesley will always be in our hearts. What a very special person. Our caring sympathy goes out to you, Crystal and to all of your family.
Michelle Schuster
June 26, 2012
We are so thankful for the priviledge of having known Commander Wesley Brown...an inspiring individual for all Americans. Rest in Peace.
David, Eloise, Joshua and Sabriya Scott
June 24, 2012
Mrs.Brown and Family,
I read of LCDR Wesley Brown's recent death and wish to send my sympathy to you on this loss. But what a legacy he has left behind for all of those who face the daily struggles and blows that life sometimes holds. He was truly a hero for all times.
Mary Margaret Harhan
June 20, 2012
A token of Love and fraternal spirit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbQ57e1KSaQ
Derrick Sauls
June 19, 2012
To the BROWN family sorry for your loss may GOD give you his love, peace, and strength in this time of sorrow. I want to thank him for serving his country even though he always had obsticals to hurdle over because of the color of his skin. To keep us SAFE AND FREE, he is a HERO to many. May he R.I.P -|-
June 13, 2012
Mrs. Brown and family. Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved . Lieutenant Commander Wesley Anthony Brown '49, CEC, USN (Ret.) was a true pioneer who forged ahead despite adversity and the difficult challenges of becoming the first African-American to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy. This accomplishment was an inspiration to me when I was a midshipman, and, it demonstrated how important it was for me to strive for excellence and realize that failure was not an option. Commander Brown's career as a Naval Officer represented the embodiment of the U.S. Naval Academy's mission to develop leaders to assume the highest responsibilities of leadership, citizenship, and government. He set the bar for those of us minority midshipmen who followed him and for those to come in the future. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.
Peace be with you and your family,
Charles D. Hargrove
USNA Class of 1975
Charles Hargrove
June 7, 2012
To the family of LT CDR Wesley Brown: My sympathy on the loss of a great man & trailblazer. I was honored that I had the opportunity to meet CDR Brown while working at the USNA Foundation. Hearing his story and knowing the internal strength he exhibited in order to graduate was inspiring. A reminder of what so many have endured in order for me and others to experience life with less difficulty & more opportunity today. He was a kindhearted man. I am glad he was able to see his story in print, speak to groups and see a building named in his honor at USNA while he was living. He left us with a great legacy.
Tia Taylor
June 6, 2012
Wesley Brown was a true pathfinder. I am glad that I had the Honor to meet him. I endured racism at the Academy, I did not graduate from Annapolis, but it was nothing compared to what Wesley Brown endured to accomplish his Graduation. Thanks to Bob Schneller and Chet Gladchuck, USNA Athletic Director, Wesley Brown receved his long overdue Recognition as the first Afro-American to graduate from Annapolis. He made his mark at the Academy and I believe his Spirit will still be present at the Academy Fieldhouse when a Midshipman needs some inspiration to never "Give-up or Give-in". God is Good. James Richard Frezzell, USNA '68', Albany, New York.
James Frezzell
June 6, 2012
"To the family of Wesley Brown,
"The nation has lost another unsung hero.
My heart goes out to the family and friends.
Gloria Graham
June 6, 2012
To my 'godfather'...you gave more than one could ask for. You were humble which made you great and your greatness made you humble...Crystal, Billie, Carol, Tony and Gary...thank you for sharing 'The Commander', as we all called him, with me and my family. We have so many fond memories of such great times through the years. He's gone but will never be forgotten! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gregg Blackley
June 6, 2012
To the family of Wesley Brown, I want you to know how deeply grateful I am to your father, friend and loved one for his obedience to the divine will of God and determination to pave the way for me. Well Done, Faithful Servant. I am forever indebted to you. I was in your presence on few occasions at USNA yet I will forever remember the honor to have shared a moment in time with you. I wish your family peace and the joy of sharing wonderful memories in the days to come. My heartfelt and sincere condolences from a member of the USNA Class of 1999 and Former Gospel Choir President.
QuaWanna Bannarbie
June 5, 2012
A GREAT MAN HAVE PASS AND LEFT SO MANY PRECIOUS MEMORY BEHIND.MY HEART GO OUT TO FAMILY AND LOVE ONE OF THIS GREAT MAN.REMEMBER HE'S NOT DEAD HE JUST ARE SLEEP AND WILL RISE AGAIN.
CONSTANCE ECHOLS
June 5, 2012
The nation has lost another great and unsung hero. He paved a path that made my Plebe Year much better than it would have been otherwise.
Rear Admiral Ken Carodine, USN,
USNA Class of 1982
Ken Carodine
June 5, 2012
Crystal and family, Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of Wes. Our family was honored to have met him many years ago.
In sympathy, Marion Patterson Cioppa in Willsboro, NY
Terri Cioppa
June 2, 2012
In this time of sorrow please know there are literally hundreds (if not thousands) of people who stand beside you and mourn your loss. LCDR Brown was and is a inspiration to us all. For those of us in uniform his legacy represents courage and strength. As a fellow sea service member I can only think he is standing watch with the Creator keeping a watchful eye on the horizon for those perils that can cause harm.
God be with the family and friends of LCDR Wesley Brown.
much love,
LCDR L. Stenson, USCG
May 31, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved. There are never any right words to express how deeply sad I am for the pain your family is enduring at this difficult time.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, I am sincerely thankful for his valiant service in defense of our rights and freedom.
His commitment to family, friends, our community, and to serving our great nation leaves a wonderful legacy. May the love and the wonderful memories you shared with him help you when you need it most. He will never be forgotten, and your family will be remembered in my prayers.
Sen. Leticia Van de Putte
May 30, 2012
It was an honor to meet the Lt. Commander and his family. Your legacy is made, your place in history is firm. You are an inspiraton.
Linda Matuskey
May 30, 2012
I had the pleasure of meeting Wes in the Spring of 1963 when he relieved me as Planning Officer for COMCBLANT when it was located in Davisville, RI. I appreciated that contact and his accomplishments by that early date. I was pleased to hear of his name being placed on the Academy Field House in recent years - it was good to see that he was still doing "his thing." Please accept my condolensces for your loss - but appreciation and thanksgiving for what Wes acccomplished for himself, his family, his race, and his Navy during his life.
May fair winds and a following sea follow your soul.
A. Wayne Collins, Captain, CEC, USN (ret)
A. Wayne Collins
May 29, 2012
To the Family of LCDR Wesley A. Brown, US Navy (Ret.):
I wish to convey my condolences to you on the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
While I did not know LCDR Brown personally, it was through the efforts of my late father, Admiral E. R. Zumwalt, Jr. that I was sensitized to the struggles various minorities faced in the Navy during my father's tenure as Chief of Naval Operations (1970-74). While his tour as CNO did not begin until LCDR Brown had retired, my father did work hard to break down the racial barriers that continued to exist in the Navy for years after LCDR Brown's graduation from the Naval Academy. However, there is no doubt that one of the major barriers that had to be broken was that which LCDR Brown did by virtue of his graduation from an institution unwilling, back then, to accept diversity.
I have a great deal of respect for the challenges and hardship LCDR Brown endured as a young midshipman leading the charge to confront racial prejudice in the Navy. It was his efforts that paved the way for future naval leaders such as my father to take up the clarion call for equality.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time as you lay to rest an American hero.
Respectfully,
James G. Zumwalt
LCOL, USMC (Ret.)
James Zumwalt
May 29, 2012
R.I.P. may the family be comforted in your time of bereavement. God bless you.
Drimmeque Crosby
May 29, 2012
My family and I attended the 2012 Color Parade on the same day that you passed on. Needless to say it added to the significance and emotional content for the day.
Psalm 107:23 - They that go down to the sea in ships, That do business in great waters;
Thank you for being the first -
May God be with you and your Family.
JT Hardy '77
JT Hardy
May 29, 2012
Wes opened the door and we will keep the Legacy alive. Our prayers are with you and the family. God Bless!
RDML Dwight Shepherd
May 29, 2012
Billie -
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kathy Harker
May 29, 2012
Thank you Wes, for setting the example for all of us to follow. You were truly a pathfinder and led the way.
Lawrence Lewis
May 29, 2012
To the family of LCDR Brown...You all shared the life of a great and historic man. His legacy will live forever! As an African-American USNA graduate (c/o 99'), I am his legacy also! Although, your head may bow in grief and sorrow for your loss, let it be momentary. Celebrate his triumph by holding your head high, rolling your shoulders back, and by poking our your chest!
Cecil Fletcher
May 29, 2012
Dear Crystal
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God Bless You.
Dr. Noah R. Calhoun, Washington, DC
May 29, 2012
Billie, so sorry to hear about your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Sarita Carter
Sarita Carter
May 29, 2012
I am thankful to LCDR Wesley Brown for paving the way for so many of us to follow and succeed at USNA, the military, and beyond. My prayers are extended to Mrs. Crystal Brown and the remainder of the family. Blessings, Natasha Robinson, former USMC Captain, USNA Grad '02
Natasha Robinson
May 28, 2012
Dear Crystal,
So troubled to learn of "Uncle Wes" passing away last week. I only learned this Memorial Day, while trying to call you both with our appreciation of your leadership & life-example for us all. Your light will never dim in our hearts.
Sincerely, Doris&Ozzie's son...bruce...
Bruce G. & Phyllis R. Williams
May 28, 2012
I never knew this great man, however, upon learning of his special accomplishments, I am proud that I have passed through two paths occupied by him at one time: Savannah, GA and Howard University. May God bless this great man and comfort his loved ones.
Bess Walthour
May 28, 2012
I am sadden to hear of the passing of Ret.Lt.Cmdr.Brown. He was indeed a great man. I met him while attending a conference in D.C. You are all in my prayers. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Genie Coleman
Genie Coleman
May 28, 2012
LCDR Wesley Brown should be considered the strongest man in American history. You see so many of us stood on his shoulders at one time over the last years and he carried us all without ever complaining. We will miss you my friend... CAPT Tony Barnes, USNA 1981
CAPT Tony Barnes
May 28, 2012
Crystal,
We were so sorry to learn of Wesley's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Thelma Frazier
May 28, 2012
May God Bless and keep you, you were a strong brother hope you find your rewawd awaiting you.
Jerome A. Bougere (Napoleonville, LA
Jerome Bougere
May 28, 2012
What a pleasure and what pride you must have in this man. May God Bless You. Know that the steps of this good man must truly have been ordered by the Lord.
Delores Hill, Richmond, CA
May 28, 2012
Our sentiments
To WesleyBrown
As a Hero in Tribute
You were Admired
with great Ambition'
GodBless with`n`
serene Peace
As
in a new Journey of
life Spiritual Begins..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~Victoria&Andrew~ VZj
May 28, 2012
I never got the chance to meet LCDR Brown personally, but I know that had he failed I may have never got the chance to succeed. Fair winds and following seas, sir.
Cleveland Cooper
May 27, 2012
May God be with the family at this time in their lives. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
Valerie
May 27, 2012
What an amazing man. It was such a pleasure to attend the ground breaking for the Brown Field House and meet LCDR Brown. His sense of humor was infectious and he "paid it forward" by inviting the Dumbar HS Track Teammates to be his guests that day. He will be missed.
Mark Whitson, LCDR, CEC (Ret.)
May 27, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the Brown family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
May 27, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the family of Wesley Brown. Sorrow brings all of us down , but there is hope from our God for the future. Take comfort from his promise and our hearts will be strengthen.
Kayo Richardson
May 27, 2012
Home is the Sailor, Home from the Sea. In his lifetime, Wesley Brown embodied Psalm 107:29. "He caused the storm to be still, so that the waves of the sea were hushed." God bless the resting weary Sailor. From a Soldier of the Sea and USNA '74 Graduate
Jeff Cole
May 27, 2012
Job well done. Thank You Wesley Brown
Wanda
May 27, 2012
To the Brown family:
In 1968 I was an Ensign at NASNY. I was the Assistant Public Works Officer to Cmdr. Brown.. I was his only junior officer at the time (I was short toured out to go to Viet Nam). Mrs. Brown may not remember me, but I did have dinner at you apartment one evening.
Senior officers have a great hand in developing the junior officers. I feel that his leadership went a long way in structuring me to become a useful, productive Naval Officer.
God Bless. You have my condolences.
DeLon D. Sargent, CAPT,CEC,USNR,Ret.
May 27, 2012
You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband and family member.
Oscar Kidd
May 27, 2012
Your friends and neighbors at the Rittenhouse Apts. were saddened to see you move and then a week later to hear of your passing. We will miss you.
Alvanette Jones
May 27, 2012
I would like to express my condolences to the Brown family at this difficult time. Know that our hearts grieve with yours during this time of sorrow, and may the God of all comfort be with your family - 2 Cor. 1:4
SC
May 27, 2012
Sir,
Thank You for your service. The battles waged during 3 conflicts could not compare to the fight you won as a HERO at home. God's speed and fair seas on your journey home.
Bob Roche
May 27, 2012
To The Family,
The Cmdr is at peace. Think of the good times and smile. For comfort read Ecclesiastes 3;1-9,11-15,17,19,20,22. RIP Cmdr. May God bless you and your family.
M.H.Gault Sr
May 26, 2012
God rest his soul
George Porter
May 26, 2012
Janice Washington
May 26, 2012
Rest in peace. Job well done.
r. williams, md
May 26, 2012
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your dear husband. Our heavenly Father provides widows with the care that they need.(James 1:27) I hope that you will receive the needed help to endure your grief.
Denise
May 26, 2012
Fair winds and following seas.
Grief does not last forever; love does.
Very Respectfully, Pat Fox (California)
May 26, 2012
Thank you, Sir,for your sercice to the United States, and your courage being the first African-American to earn a degree from Anapolis. May you rest in peace.
Stanley Painter, D.O., USNR HM3
May 26, 2012
Anchors Aweigh, my boys
Anchors Aweigh
Farewell to college joys
We sail at break of day, 'ay 'ay 'ay
Thou our last night ashore
Anchors Aweigh
Until we meet once more
Here's wishing you a happy voyage home!
A friend
May 26, 2012
On this Memorial Day weekend, stand up and cheer for all that Wesley Brown did. Having known him for a short time it makes it so much more special. What a man! What a legacy. What an example for all of us to follow.
May 26, 2012
There is nothing more fitting than your homegoing commingle with this holiday. I salute you Lt Cmdr Brown. Thank you for being one of those shoulders that I proudly stand on.
Y.D. Richardson
May 26, 2012
My condolences for the Brown family. May your fond memories give you comfort at this time.
May 26, 2012
TO The Brown Family,May God Our Heavenly Father,Give You Peace,And Comfort For Such A Time Like This,Mr Brown Was A Hero,I Salute Him In All His Work And Triumph And All The Things Ge Had To Endure As An Afro-American In The Armed Forces,Glory,Glory Hallelujah! Erma Lee Johnson (Hermosa Beach,Ca,)
Erma Johnson
May 26, 2012
Dear Family, it is with great pride, as well as sadness that I pen these words. I thank God for the life of Admiral Wesley Brown. God Bless you.
Shirley Junior
May 25, 2012
Rest in peace Mr. Brown. Thank you for your service to our country. My condolences to your family and friends.
Pat Canfall
May 25, 2012
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Mary Green
May 25, 2012
Thank you for being an inspiration to so many.
Michael Clay (Niceville, Fl)
May 25, 2012
May the "God of all comfort" be with your family at this time.
Sincerely,
May 25, 2012
To the family of this great fore runner, may he rest in peace, and may it give you consolation to know that such a person is honored by many that never knew him personaly, but are riding on the shoulders of those, like him that cleared the path! Thank God for Mr. Brown, and his courage.
Charles Smith
May 25, 2012
Praise Jehovah in Jesus name Wesley Brown was one of the first to graduate from the acamdemy. I will print and add his obituary in my Black History collection. Bless you family and may alway keep you and lift you up!
Shirley Thomas
May 25, 2012
May God bless this family.
g s
May 25, 2012
He was a great man.Florence Ray Ann Davis-Dunham
May 25, 2012
Rest in peace shipmate. Eternal fair winds and following seas.
Henryk Zaleski CWEO4,SC,USN-Ret
May 25, 2012
Sounds like a great man. GOD BLESS
Gary Esposito
May 25, 2012
Billie, I know your pain but my prays goes out to you and your family. If you need anything let me know.
Michele Faggins
May 25, 2012
Blue of the Seven Seas,
Gold of God's great sun
Let these our colors be
Till all of time be Done...
Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
Rey Criollo
May 25, 2012
My condolences go out to the Brown family. May your fond memories give you the needed strength and comfort.
May 25, 2012
Anyone who helped break the color barrier the way this man did is truly a man of courage and determination...well done Mr.Brown...Rest In Peace...
V.Coates Columbus OH
May 25, 2012
Thank you Lt. Cmdr. Brown for all you sacrficed in your service to your country. Yours is an example for all to look to and to which we should aspire.
Chas. Bryant
May 25, 2012
My condolences to the family. I was lucky enough to have met Wesley at the dedication ceremony at the Naval Academy 4 years ago. May he rest in peace.
Ed Thomson
May 25, 2012
Lt Cmdr Brown, I never met you but am so proud of you Sir...you are a trailblazer. You graduated from the academy the year I was born...1949. May You Rest in Peace!
Kirk Willis
May 25, 2012
My condolences to your family for your loss.
What a great accomplishment made in his lifetime.
May the god of tender mercies comfort you all.
May 25, 2012
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Brown at the Academy when I was one of the Navy Engineering Technicians on the Wesley A Brown Field House. He and I had a few chances to talk and I enjoyed his stories and he had some stories and he could talk. I'm sorry that a higher power has called him home, but I'll never forget our talks..
Dennis Seabolt
May 25, 2012
Thankyou for your service and sacrifices.
Barbara (USAF)
Barbara Butler
May 25, 2012
You were a GREAT MAN...Rest In Peace !!
Greg Phillips
May 25, 2012
To the family of Wesley Brown may God give you comfort and peace by means of prayer - Philipians 4:6,7. My deepest sympathy
May 25, 2012
From a veteran of the USAF who benefited from your enormous sacrifices. RIP Pioneer!!!!!! Aaa-Tennnnn-Hut, Preeeeesent Arms...........Orderpppp Arms.....At Ease....FalllllOut!!!!!!
Rev. David A. Johnson
May 25, 2012
You honor our country . You made the way for people of color, to server the US. I call out Mark Twain(safe and deep water) thank you for service and sacrifice. GBA!!!!.
May 24, 2012
I just saw him last week scooting through the halls of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on his scooter. He was a great man who overcame a lot and still kept that smile on his face. He will be missed.
Jac
May 24, 2012
It was a pleasure and an honor to have met Mr. Brown. He was a very kind soul. And that laugh...! I salute you sir. Fair winds.
J R
May 24, 2012
Fair winds and fowling seas.I SALUTE YOU SIR.
J ENNIS
May 24, 2012
Mary Green
May 24, 2012
THANK YOU SIR. MAY YOUR SOUL HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY HOME. GODSPEED.
CAROL HIGH
May 24, 2012
"Thank you!" Now take your rest.
Douglas Family
May 24, 2012
Thank you for setting the example for men, God had a purpose for your life, it showed you fufilled
your purpose.
Absence from the body , but present with Lord.
Family, feast on the wonderful memories, his life will encourage others to continue living.
Phyllis McDonald
Phyllis McDonald
May 24, 2012
Words, however kind they may be, cannot mend your heartache, but those who care and share your loss wish you comfort and peace of God.
Phil 4:6, 7
May 24, 2012
May God be with you all the way.
Goldie hardman
May 24, 2012
Mary Billingsley
May 24, 2012
Thank you Mr. Brown so very much, I SALUTE YOU. To the family, my prayers.
PAT BOHANNON
May 24, 2012
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