Earl Brown

Earl R. Brown NORFOLK - Earl R. Brown, 78, passed away Nov. 16, 2008, in Virginia Beach. A native of Durham, N.C., he was the son of the late Earl R. Brown Sr. and Lilly C. Brown. He retired after working 36 years at Norfolk & Western Railroad. He also retired from the National Guard. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and an avid sports fan. Mr. Brown is survived by his wife of 60 years, Francis Brown; five children, Sharon Bouley of Norfolk, Ronald Brown and wife Ella "Cookie" of Virginia Beach, Phillip Brown Sr. of Norfolk, Gary Brown and wife Stacey of Colorado and Valencia Kurek of Virginia; 14 grandchildren, Nathan Teague, Lydia Mattingly, Christopher Bouley, Jade Bouley, Jennifer Reeves, Brandyen Wheeler, Olivia Brown-Hazelette, Rustin Brown, Phillip Brown Jr., Joy Ashby, Zachary Brown, Joshua Brown, Caleb Brown and Ceilidh Brown; 17 great-grandchildren, Michael Edwards, Chrissy, Cammie, Alisia, Katherine, Tyler, Allison, Ashlynn, Maureece, Titus, Kaiden, Mary Elle, Rylan, Haley, Taylor, Jarred and Kaylinn. He is also survived by three sisters, Ruth Baker of Elwood City, Pa., Betty Garrison of Charlottesville, Va., Helen Joyner of Suffolk; and many cherished and loved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two children, Michael Layne Brown and Val Russell Brown; two brothers, Lewis Brown and Robert Brown; and a sister, Juanita Cross. The family will receive friends in Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Tidewater Drive Chapel, today from 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral will be held in the funeral home chapel Friday at 2 p.m. After the funeral, family and friends are welcome to gather for fellowship and refreshments at the home of Olivia Brown Hazelette - granddaughter, 8055 Moose Ave., Norfolk, VA 23518. (757) 718-0657. Memorial donations may be made to Heartland Hospice, 5040 Corporate Woods Drive, No. 150, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.