Obituary of Clarence Preston Brown

Clarence Preston Brown transitioned from his earthly to his heavenly home on January 12, 2010, after a period of illness. Born in Powhatan, Virginia on September 13, 1945 to the late Clarence and Baylies Simpson Brown, he accepted Christ at an early age, joining the Little Zion Baptist Church. "Preston," as he was affectionately known, graduated from the Pocahontas High School in 1963 and served in the U.S. Army for three years. A fun-loving, sports-minded person, Preston will be remembered by family and friends for his kind deeds and kind words. He was one known to offer a helping hand to anyone who needed it, often driving distances to help friends or family move or get established at new locations. He was an avid baseball player for the Powhatan All Stars, and also played softball for the 2900 Softball team. Bowling was also an activity he thoroughly enjoyed. Preston was a dedicated and reliable employee of the City of Richmond, Department of Public Utilities, from which he retired in January 2010 after a tenure of 41 years. His final position with the city was as a Business Automation Analyst. He was joined in holy matrimony to Gayle Chavis in 1982, and to this union was born Ashelle, ''the apple of his eye." Their memories of Preston as husband, father, and friend, who supported them in every endeavor, will sustain and comfort them at this difficult time. Also holding fond memories of their brother are two sisters, Delores Sellers (Leroy) and Lisa Payne (Frank). Four brothers survive him: Bernard (Karen), Victor, Gerald (Gloria), and Alvin (Gleria). One brother, Earl O. Brown, preceded him in death. Additionally celebrating his life are sisters-in-law: Brenda Brown, Robin Chavis, Bonita Pritchett (Kennard), and Francine Barnes; aunts: Bertha Johnson (Alfred), Faustina Trent, Celestine Jordan, and Bessie Simpson; mother-in-law, Rose E. Chavis; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.