On January 30, 2025, Yvonne Sawyer Brown of Norfolk passed away at the age of 87. She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Brown, and three siblings: Dorothy Hines, Dr. (Col (ret)) Fred (Millicent) Sawyer, and James (Maxine) Jones. In death, she will join her late husband, Robert Melvin “Dice” Brown Sr., and her late son, Robert Melvin “Little Dice” Brown Jr.

Yvonne was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Norfolk, and Norfolk State University. She was a beloved teacher in the Norfolk public school system for several decades. Additionally, she was an active member of Mount Zion Baptist Church of Berkley for many years.

Yvonne was raised in a close-knit family. She was a very kind and sharing person. She adored her family and close friends, and they all adored her. In fact, the Browns (family members of her late husband) accepted Yvonne into their household as a fully-fledged family member. She was a devoted mother, sister, and friend to countless individuals. She was especially fond of her grandson, Dominique Smith, who she nurtured, guided, and aided after the death of his father. It should be especially noted that Yvonne and Dorothy cared every day for over a decade for their late mother and father during their advanced stages until their deaths, while Fred was often away engaged in work-related commitments.

After retiring from the school system, Yvonne traveled with busloads of friends to various cities, where they would sightsee and often inquire and visit a Bingo Hall in each city. She loved to play Bingo and remained a passionate enthusiast until her health began to deteriorate in 2023.

Yvonne is survived by countless relatives, some of whom are listed here: Falon (Cornelius) Mayo (granddaughter); Dominique Smith (grandson); Lisa Hines Wood (niece); Kimberly Sawyer (niece); Brittany Wood Jones (niece); Tyrone Jones (nephew); Michael Brown, Raymond Brown, Clarance “Bunny” Brown, Mack Brown, and Charles Brown (brothers-in-law); and Yvonne Mitchell, Vanessa Steward, and Gladys Robinson (sisters-in-law).

It is not nearly enough to say that Yvonne will live "forever in our hearts."

You can join the service livestream at 11:00 am on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at: https://www.facebook.com/PretlowandSons

Published by Tri-City Herald on Feb. 14, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Yvonne Brown

19 Entries

GAIL Beaman -THOMAS

February 16, 2025

I was so sad to hear about the death of Yvonne. Our mothers grew up together, and remained life long great friends growing up in the Campostella area of Norfolk. We were next door neighbors for many years. Even though I was younger than the Sawyer siblings, I remember them with much affection and respect.

May you get through this period of sadness by remembering all of the loving memories and love that Yvonne brought to your family and her friends for many years.

Sedhari Brown-Brooks

February 14, 2025

Aunt Yvonne Sawyer Brown---

I want to extend my deepest and sincerest condolences to my cousin Pam, as well as Falon. I can only imagine the grief you guys are experiencing-May God cover you all and her entire family during these difficult times.
And to my Aunt Yvonne Sawyer Brown--thank you for being an amazing Auntie and giving love and compassion throughout. Heaven has gained another Angel I know.

Love Always,
Penny, Se'Dhari & Victor

Browns Nieces and Nephews

February 11, 2025

A Rare Jewel

In loving memory, we stand today,

For Aunt Yvonne so dear, now gone away.
A mother, a sister, a grandmother too,
A wife, a friend—so loyal, so true.

Her laughter echoed, warm and bright,
Her smile, a beacon, purest light.
A heart so full, a love so wide,
A gentle soul with steadfast pride.

Through every role she ever played,
Her kindness never once did fade.
No gossip, no malice, no bitter word,
Just love and grace in all she stirred.

Pam, her daughter, strong and true,
Stood by her side, her love so due.
A bond unbroken, deep and pure,
A mother’s love forever sure.

Bingo nights, preparing school lessons and laughter sweet,
Memories that will never fleet.
A friend to all, both near and far,
A shining, rare and precious star.

Now rest in peace, dear soul so bright,
Wrapped in Heaven’s endless light.
Your love remains, your joy will stay,
In hearts you touched along the way. Amen. We Love you Aunt Yvonne! RIP ❤

Melvin Chapman

February 11, 2025

Prayers to and for the family with understanding that no more pain and suffering and she is at rest God has her now. I pray for gods strength for the entire family family.

Alfreda Muldrow & The Smith Family

February 11, 2025

Sending love to Dominique, Pam & the Family and praying that God will continuously strengthen you all during this difficult time and in the days ahead. Mrs. Brown was an amazing person and it was such a pleasure to know her.

Doris Kelley

February 10, 2025

God looked around His Garden and saw an empty space, He then looked down upon the earth and saw Yvonne's tired face He put is arms around her and lifted her to rest. God's Garden must be beautiful, He only takes the Best. He knew that she was suffering He knew that she was in pain. He knew that she would never be well on Earth again. He saw that the roads were getting rough and the hills were hard to climb so He closed her weary eyelids and Whispered Peace Be Thine. It broke our hearts to lose her but she didn't go alone, for a part of us went with her. The Day God Called Her Home
Sorrowfully Doris Q. Kelley,
George's Sister

Eunice Brandon & family

February 10, 2025

It is with sincere sadness of the passing of my dear friend, “Yvonne Sawyer Brown! May “ God comfort and bless the family “!!

Wanda Hassell-Dorsey

February 10, 2025

Pam, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. While words could never express the magnitude of the flood of emotions experienced during this time, I pray that God lifts and guides you through. I remember Ms Yvonne as a very caring and wonderful person. Although I haven’t seen you all in years, ya’ll have made a positive and lasting impact on my life. God bless you and your family.

Deborah Mapp

February 9, 2025

To Eric and Family: my sincere condolences to you and your family. Remember the good times and keep her in your hearts forever. God bless.

Lisa Wood and Family

February 9, 2025

Dear Pamela

You gave all of yourself to caring for your mom. From the onset of her illness until her last breath, you were always there by her side.
When she began her end of life journey you made it with her, holding her hand with love and patience.
Pamela you are selfless, sacrificing and supportive. You gave all of yourself to caring for your mom.
The past few weeks have been long, sad and scary but you never missed a beat. Never ever doubt what a difference your caregiving made in the sustainability and longevity of her life.
We love you and she did too.

The Family❤

Kimberly Sawyer

February 9, 2025

When I think of my dear, sweet Yvonne, I think of a ray of
sunshine and how her unique aura filled a room. Aunt Yvonne
had a very loving, genuine soul. People gravitated to her because
of her consistent kindness and respect she had for others. She
was loved by her family, co-workers, friends, and bingo buddies.
She loved her family and was there to give a helping hand to
those in need, often putting their needs before hers. On
Thanksgiving, she would say a beautiful grace for our family
that I loved to hear. You could tell she was very grateful. Many
times, Aunt Yvonne would call me on my birthday, and I
enjoyed hearing that sweet enduring voice. Aunt Yvonne may
you rest in everlasting, heavenly peace. I love you. Kimberly

Betty Banks

February 9, 2025

Sean Kerwin

February 9, 2025

Pam, so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. We all grew up together on Bayberry Drive many moons ago and I remember that your mother was a lovely person.

Millicent Sawyer

February 7, 2025

My sister-in-law was a special person, kind and considerate. She was the keeper of family antedates and history. Almost every Sunday morning we would talk about what she was cooking and what I was cooking – and whether her brother enjoyed the meal. We laughed together. Yvonne had a big heart. She shared or gave completely to others. She loved her family, especially Pam, her devoted daughter. Yvonne earned her wings and has gone in peace. I shall miss her dearly. Millicent

Gary Smith

February 5, 2025

Sending my sincerest condolences and prayers to the Brown family and friends. You will be greatly missed. Sincerely, Gary L. Smith cousin of Dominique Smith.

Pamela Perry Humphrey

February 5, 2025

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. The Perry, Clark and Humphrey family sends our love.

Fred-Harold Sawyer

February 4, 2025

I loved my sister with all my heart. I know she had an unconditional love for me. She was one of my best friends too. She was easy to talk with, and on some occasions, we could talk for hours. Even though I was a beast on the football field in high school and in college (as some people would say), an Airborne-Ranger in the 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army, and having combat tours in Vietnam, Yvonne always felt that she could protect her little brother. I know of no one who did not canonize Yvonne. Now that I know my time on earth is nearly at an end, I hope to join Yvonne somewhere in the next life. “Doc” Sawyer

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