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Robert Brown Obituary

Robert Lee Brown Jr. VIRGINIA BEACH - Robert Lee Brown Jr., 52, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, Aug. 19. 2009. Born in Norfolk, Robert was the son of Robert L. Brown Sr. and the late Dr. Lois Wilson Brown. He was a 1975 graduate of Bayside High School, Virginia Beach. He later attended Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond. Robert's gift of music touched the lives of many. He was employed with Norfolk Public Schools for many years as the accompanist at Granby High School. He was a faculty member in the Governor's School for the Arts since its inception. He served as the choral director, principal coach and accompanist for the department. He is survived by his father, Robert L. Brown Sr. (Erma); aunts, Constance W. Wyatt of Norfolk and Jacqueline Hickman of Chesapeake; and a host of other relatives and dear friends. The service in celebration of the life of a man and his music will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Shiloh Baptist Church, 745 Park Ave., Norfolk. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday in Metropolitan Funeral Service, Granby St. Chapel. Friends will also be received at 3829 Wedgefield Ave., Norfolk. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Robert to: Governor's School of the Arts Foundation (Vocal Music Department), GSA Foundation, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529. Condolences may be offered at www.metropolitanfuneralservice.com.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Aug. 23, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Brown

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Carlton Sykes

September 1, 2009

The community has lost a standard bearer for excellence. May his legacy inspire and comfort you and your family during this difficult time in your life.

Susan Cocke

August 31, 2009

Robert was my dear friend. Often we would meet and sit and talk of our students and our love of teaching them music. Whether we met at an All State Chorus or Honors Choir event, he always had time to visit. I will continue his work, as he was a blessing to all of us.

Peter Heyl

August 26, 2009

I offer condolences to Robert's father and family. We now all must carry on without him.
I shared many a good meal and many a good time with Robert. He touched the lives of both my daughters as their teach and accompanist at the Governor's School. I even turned pages for him as he accompanied students during recitals. He tolerated my unprofessional technique with prodding glee.
I am left with a wonderful last memory I share. I visited him on Tuesday, August 18th. He gave me a huge smile and we laughed together. May all remember a laughing and smiling Robert Brown!

Jane Dohrmann

August 25, 2009

What a loss we on Earth are feeling, but oh how the music resounds in Heaven with Mr. Brown leading the angels in song!!!
My family and I are truly saddened by the news of Mr. Brown's passing because he played such a role in our lives. We used to "follow" the Granby Singers to many of their performances and simply adored his spirit, his personality, and his unfailing ability to not only encourage these young people to sing, but to inspire them to sing stronger and with more heart.
The entire community will miss you, Mr. Brown, and there will never be another educator, musician, or friend quite like you.
To the Brown family, I wish you God's comfort and guidance during this time of sadness and grief. My prayers are with you all.

Andrew Odom

August 25, 2009

I am profoundly sorry to hear of Mr. Brown's death. I was fortunate to have him as a vocal coach in 1993 and 1994 at the Governor's School. His personality and candidness were always welcomed. God's comfort and peace to your family.

Christina Spivey

August 25, 2009

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Brown family. I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Brown, he always brought such joy and laughter to our chorus classes. He will be missed.

Granby H.S. 92

Tracy Reitnouer

August 25, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you . He was a great teacher and man. I was a student in chorus at Granby High.

evangela corprew

August 25, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Joe Tate

August 25, 2009

My deepest sympathies on the passing of a dear friend. My prayers and thoughts are with you in this time of grief.

Karan Wright

August 24, 2009

To The Brown Family,

May God's comfort and peace be with you. Your son was loved by many because he gave so much of himself. I will never forget Robert, his love of music, people and life. God bless you and keep you. Allow God to be your strength.

Michael Thomas

August 24, 2009

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Member-- First Baptist-Mahan Street

August 24, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

George and Debbie Parker

August 23, 2009

Deacon & Mrs.Brown and Extended Family,

Our prayers are with you all. We will miss Robert, Jr. He had truly found his purpose in life. His love for music touched the lives of so many people. His encouragement gave so many young people confidence in their ability to succeed and hope for their future.

Cynthia Davis-Barrett

August 23, 2009

Keeping you close in thought and prayers. Robert was more like our brother than a personal friend and we will miss him. May the promise in God's word be your hope today, your peace tomorrow, and your comfort always. The Davis Family

Kila Chong

August 23, 2009

A booming baritone that so-filled the sanctuary at UCN that it echoed, yet he really didn’t enjoy singing as much as he did directing and accompanying.
Strict attention to detail, enunciation, pronunciation, quality, but he had a sense of humor, too - his boisterous laugh was unmistakable.
He demanded (and received) attention when he was directing, yet laughter came easy. He was a dynamic, perfectionist and he was fun-loving; he was a superb accompanist and pianist and a soulful director who always eeked out the very best from his “charges” and we who toiled under his loving hand loved him for trying to make us sound the very best we could. We benefited greatly from his musical direction.
He was inspiring, dedicated and a most positive influence during a time when all are increasingly needed and welcome. He will be sorely and greatly missed.

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