Norris Wellington Brown Jr.

Norris Wellington Brown, Jr., passed away on February 3, 2026, in Portsmouth, Virginia. He was born on October 21, 1959, in Portsmouth to the late Norris W. Brown, Sr. and Betty L. Brown. "Skipper," or "Skip" as he was known by family and friends, grew up in Portsmouth and was a member of Fellowship UCC in his early years. As an adult, he attended Western Branch Community Church and New Life Church. He graduated from Manor High School in Portsmouth.

His interest in photography began as a young teen, and after enlisting in the United States Navy in 1979, he was able to further develop his skills. Following his military service, he continued his career in photography and became widely known as an outstanding freelance photographer. He worked at Atlantis Photo Processing in Norfolk, Virginia, developing and printing photos before beginning his career at Canon in Chesapeake, Virginia, where he remained a valued member of the Canon family until his passing.

On October 31, 1987, he married Sharon Nikki Riddick. Nikki often assisted him and was instrumental in his success as a photographer. Together they shared three sons. Skipper had a love of water that began early in life. At the age of thirteen, he received a special work permit to serve as a lifeguard at the Cavalier Manor city pool. He enjoyed scuba diving, water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking, and sailing. He was also a self-taught gourmet cook who loved sharing his culinary creations with family and friends. Gardening was another passion of his, and he took great pride in growing a variety of vegetables.

Skipper was preceded in death by his son, Phillip W. Brown, and his sister, Betty Lynette Moore. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Sharon Nikki Brown; his sons Norris Austin Brown of Portsmouth and Matthew B. Brown of Alexandria; his daughter Spring N. Shareef; his granddaughters Ayana N. Ruffin and Imani N. Brunson of Hampton; his sister Sherrie Parker and her husband Melvin of Chesapeake; his aunts Mae Reid of Sarasota, Florida, and Mary Brown of Glen Allen; his mother-in-love Lena Riddick; five sisters-in-law; four brothers-in-law; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Skipper had a unique sense of humor and a personable spirit with an adventurous heart. Although he will be deeply missed by many, we were truly blessed to have him in our lives, and we rejoice in knowing that he is now resting in eternity with his Savior and reunited with loved ones who have gone before him.