John A. Brown

John Andrew Brown was born in Pelham, North Carolina on September 16, 1936 to the late Reverend Joe Cephas and Bertha Badgett Brown. He was the eldest of ten and a guiding light to his nine siblings.

John’s early life began on a tobacco farm in Pelham, in a home filled with closeness, love, laughter, work and Christian values. This laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to education, service, friends, family and community upliftment. He strengthened his Christian values attending Sunday School at Gwynn’s Chapel Baptist Church, was baptized and became an active member. After leaving Pelham, John on several occasions returned to speak on programs at various churches. A proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Reidsville, North Carolina, he furthered his academic pursuits with a BA and a Master’s degree from North Carolina Central University after honorably serving three years in the United States Army; tank squadron. These experiences deepened John’s belief in education and community service.

In 1961, John embarked on his professional journey as a teacher at Richmond County High School in Warsaw, VA. He also taught in Fluvanna County, VA then returned to the Northern Neck to teach at A.T. Johnson High School and Washington and Lee High School in Westmoreland County. He eventually became principal of Montross Middle School for eighteen years. His leadership and vision in education were only paralleled by his significant contributions to public service, notably his esteemed appointments to the Virginia Parole Board by Governors Gerald Baliles and L. Douglas Wilder. He continued service under Governor George Allen. During his tenure he worked with the youth offender’s educational program and conducted seminars on Virginia Parole Guidelines in Longmont, CO, Jekyll Island, SC and other locations.

John served as Director of the Northern Neck Head Start Program and as a member of the Board of Directors and adjunct instructor of History and Government at Rappahannock Community College.

In retirement, John’s zeal for sharing knowledge never waned. He became a beloved historical tour guide in Washington, D.C. His unique driver-guide tours became moving classrooms that educated and inspired. His commitment to community service extended to working with the Virginia State Fair of Southern Rural Exposition Board, Richmond County YMCA and as a tireless advocate for justice in his successful Federal lawsuit against the Richmond County Board of Supervisors. He was Grand Marshall of the Warsaw Main Street Project Parade and served three terms on the Richmond County School Board as member, Vice Chairman, and Chairman. During his twelve years of service, he was devoted to providing a higher quality of education to Richmond County youth. More than fifteen significant division achievements occurred during his leadership including the School Renovation/Construction Project, the establishment of the Mackey-Thompson Learning Center and Technology up-grades for each classroom and divisions.

John’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. He served with humility and devotion at Clarksville Baptist Church. His gratitude to God for the myriad of opportunities and experiences was a testament to his unwavering faith and the source of his strength and generosity.

As we bid farewell to John Andrew Brown, we are reminded of the indelible mark he has left on our hearts and communities. His legacy of integrity and compassion will continue to inspire generations. We celebrate a life extraordinarily lived, not in sadness, but with profound gratitude for the blessing that was his presence among us.

John is survived by his loving wife, Sarah, a beacon of support and love throughout their sixty-one year journey together; a large and cherished family including three children: Regina A. Johnson of Pasenda, MD, Mark Andrew Brown and Lori Webb (Allen) of Warsaw, VA; five sisters: Joann McGregor, Novella Stewart, Ruth Adamson, Carrie William (Richard) and the Honorable Betty J. Brown all of Greensboro, NC; one brother: James Brown of Greensboro, NC; thirteen grandchildren; thirteen  greatgrandchildren; one adopted daughter; extended family: Meta Sampson of Warsaw, VA, Vivian and Lisa Wood of Warsaw, VA.

A Service of Remembrance will be held on Thursday, April 4 at 12 Noon in the sanctuary of the Rappahannock Church of Christ, 4324 Richmond Road, Warsaw, Virginia. 
Interment will follow in the Clarksville Baptist Church Cemetery, 445 Menokin Road, Warsaw, Virginia.

Mr. Brown may be viewed from 4PM until 6 PM on Wednesday, April 3 in the chapel of the WELDON-FISHER FUNERAL HOME and from 11AM until service time on Thursday at Rappahannock Church of Christ.

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