Lawrence Brown III

Lawrence Brown III NEWPORT NEWS - Lawrence "Kool DJ Law" Brown III was called home Sept. 19, 2010, at the age of 40. He was born March 5, 1970 in Frederick, Md. He was the program director at Clear Channel 103 Jamz in Norfolk. Lawrence was predeceased by his grandparents, Lawrence Sr. and Cora Brown, and his grandfather, Gideon Harne Jr. Brown is survived by his loving wife, Angela Mormon Brown; parents, Lawrence Brown Jr. and Diane Brown; sister, Cortney Brown; his grandmother, Claudine Harne; mother-in-law, Ruth Mormon; Uncle Gideon Harne; "brother," Horace "Chris Big B" Belcher; sister-in-law, Pam Mormon; brother-in law, Russell Mormon (Darlene), all of Newport News; father-in-law, Russell Mormon of Goochland, Va.; brother-in-law, Mitchell Mormon (Gloria) of Atlanta; uncles, Terry Brown (Natalie) and Larry Brown (Cheryl) and Aunt Joy Brown, all of Frederick. He is also survived by his loving dog, Raven and a host of family and friends. Brown was best known as a longtime radio personality, disc jockey and one half of the legendary Boodah Brothers on WOWI (103 Jamz). He and his best friend and radio partner, Christopher "Big B" Belcher, started at WOWI in 1992 with their pioneering rap program, "Ya Mamma's Rap Show." Over the next decade, they rose through the radio trenches hitting every on-air shift and introducing the many sounds and eras of hip-hop along the way. Many nationally known rappers and DJs credit Brown with breaking the records that led to their success. In 2004, the Boodah Brothers were moved from the afternoon drive to the morning show. Brown used that opportunity to be a greater community activist calling attention to causes like AIDS and homelessness. He spoke often at local schools and enjoyed reading to elementary school children. In their 18 years at WOWI, the Boodah Brothers had many opportunities to leave Hampton Roads for bigger markets, but Brown loved the "Seven Cities" (he allegedly even coined the phrase), and chose to remain in Newport News. A graduate of Denbigh High School, Brown loved music, politics, and writing. He also loved Star Wars, but most of all, Brown loved spending time with his family and friends. He married Angie, his high school sweetheart, 14 years ago and he bought a home just a few blocks away from his parents. Brown was truly dedicated to his radio listeners and loved connecting with people from all walks of life. His presence is missed, and the impact he made on Virginia is immeasurable. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the LIVE TO GIVE Campaign for underprivileged children, a charity for which DJ Law was passionate. Donations may be sent to Live to Give, 215 Las Gaviotas Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23322. The family will receive friends Friday, Sept. 24, from 4 to 8 p.m. in First Baptist Church, 12716 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23606. The family will also receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, in the church with a celebration of Lawrence's life to begin at 2 p.m. Interment will be private. Service of comfort is being provided by Weymouth Funeral Home, 12746 Nettles Drive, Newport News.