Bernard A. Brown

Bernard Alfonso Brown was born on March 19, 1953 in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. He was the second child of Perly and Nora Vernell Brown.Bernard received his early education in Mount Vernon, New York and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education from Virginia State University. He began his career working in the field of consumer finance, but desiring a career change, went to technical school to learn computer programming, after which he worked in the IT department of a pharmaceutical company. Wanting to advance in his new field, Bernard earned a second Bachelor’s Degree in Information systems Management from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. He was subsequently employed by the Probation Department of the U.S. Courts and was working at the Social Security Administration as an IT specialist at the time of his death.On August 17, 1980, Bernard was joined in holy matrimony to Sandra Evans. Out of this union a daughter, Tiffany Nicole, was born. Bernard loved and selflessly cared for his family. He always supported his wife in her endeavors, and tenderly helped guide Tiffany to young adulthood.Bernie, as he was often called, loved people. One of his greatest joys was entertaining family and friends. He would excitedly plan a menu, prepare a meal and watch everyone have an enjoyable time. If anyone was ever in need of anything, Bernie would gladly lend a helping hand, many times pitching in to assist without being asked to do so. He would readily offer his opinion and advice to others, always having their best interests at heart. Bernard was a great organizer. He liked to put together fishing trips and other events for family and friends. He was helping to plan a fall reunion of his fraternity brothers from college, and was eagerly looking forward to again seeing the former members of Beta Gamma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. His hobbies included fishing, gardening and maintaining his fish tanks. Music was important part of Bernie’s life. He sang on his high school and college choirs, and was a member of the Gethsemane Baptist Church Choir in Washington ad the St. Bernadine Church Choir, where he sang and also played percussion. Jazz was one of Bernie’s favorite types of music. He liked listening to music, and constantly amazed his wife with his knowledge of the oldies performers and songs.Most of all, Bernie loved and served the Lord. He read his Bible and prayed daily, and whenever possible, attended Bible Study on Sundays. He did whatever he could to help out at church, especially with the choir, without ever expecting praise or thanks. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Sandra; daughter, Tiffany Nicole; sisters Veronica Brown and Joan E. Gosier; brother-in-law, Thomas Gosier; nieces, Tomeara J. and Toleah E. Gosier; godson, Mason Godsey and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Bernard A. Brown

March 19, 1953 - June 27, 2007