June 3, 1945 – April 9, 2022
Mr. John Henry Brown, 76, of 135 West Old Street, Petersburg, VA, went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 9, 2022 at the Petersburg Healthcare Center. John Henry was born on June 3, 1945 to Esther and Arby Brown, Sr..
John Henry was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps and served in the Vietnam War. He was an avid sports fan and loved his westerns. He could often be seen watching Bonanza and Gunsmoke and cheering on his favorite sports team, the Oakland Raiders. He loved listening to Sunday morning worship services. John Henry or “Big John” as he was often called, enjoyed spending time at home and with his family.
John Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Arby Sr. and Esther Brown; four sisters, Isaphine Smith, Eloise Wade, Florence Brown and Florine Brown; three brothers, Sherman Brown, Charles Brown and Raymond Thweatt.
He leaves to cherish his memory: one son, John H. Lewis (Kendee) of Petersburg, VA; two daughters, one who he raised as his own, Paula D. Lewis of Petersburg, VA and devoted daughter Johnette Lewis-Ruffin (Kenneth) of Dinwiddie, VA; three granddaughters, Traci Lewis, Johnaè Thweatt-Lewis, and Kimora Thweatt-Lewis all of Petersburg, VA, three great-grandchildren; Kam’Ron Lewis, Kassidy Lewis-Scott and Kaiden Lewis, all of Petersburg, VA, two sisters; Rosa Lee Williams and Christine Parson both of Petersburg, VA, two brothers; Robert Brown (Yvonne), Arby Brown, Jr., (Lorraine) of Petersburg, VA, one sister-in-law, Janet Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, too many to name. A special thanks to Janice Mason, a devoted family friend who often assisted John Henry when needed. Also, a very special thanks to Joyce A. Brown, for her unwavering support with assisting her former spouse during his illness.
Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, April 16, 2022 at the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Barry O. Brown, Sr., eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.