William Brown

William Clarence Brown, the eldest of eight siblings, was born on February 10, 1939 to Clarence and Elester Brown in Dawson, Georgia but raised solely in Tuscaloosa, Alabama with his grandparents Christine and Johnny Jones along with his brother Douglas and sister Athene (who proceeded him in death)   William was “very debonair” – always dressing impeccably especially with his style of suits, hats, and shoes but please, let’s not forget the “cars”.

After graduating from County Training High School in Northport, Alabama, William known to all as Bill Brown, earned a full athletic scholarship for football and basketball to Alabama State University majoring in Physical Education where he spent two years cultivating his natural athletic talents.  He was extremely passionate about his sports – loving the Alabama Crimson Tide (Rolllll Tide Rolllll).  Upon leaving college, William moved to Saginaw, Michigan for a brief period, and then onto Jacksonville, Florida where he worked for Maxwell House Coffee Company.  In 1959 William decided to relocate to Newark, New Jersey where he worked for Worthington Pump Factory, then in 1966, he made a career change to Harrison Bakery Company which he spent most of his career until he suffered a stroke at the age of 56 and retired.  Once he recovered from his stroke, he spent the remainder of his working career doing seasonal jobs for Pollack Maintenance where he traveled extensively in this position.

William was raised in a God-fearing home attending church regularly with his grandparents and continued to walk in the grace of God by being a member of St. Paul AME Church in East Orange, NJ until he moved to Allentown, PA and became a loyal member of St. James AME Zion Church. 

In the late 70’s, he met and married the woman of his dreams, Sister Charlene Brown along with her two sons John and Jerome whom he raised as his own.  From their union of 44 years, they produced one son, Timothy -their lives were forever bonded as a family.

William leaves to cherish legacy, his sons, Dexter Brown (Jennifer), Jerome Callaway, Timothy Brown, one daughter, Crystal Brown, one honorary daughter/niece, Larace Callaway.  Grandchildren, Tyheshia Hunter (Michael), CaNisha Freeman, Deion, Chaeli, Jacob, and Jordan Brown, Marrissa Varju, Miranda and Marcus Callaway, Isiah Yeager, Tessia Brown, one great-grandaughter, Cacie Freeman.  Siblings, Douglas Brown Sr., (Yvonne), Olivia Thomas, James Fairris (Leeann), Percy Fairris, Geneva Parker, Annie Lois Holiday, Duane Fairris (Patricia).  Sister-In-Law, Lugene Callaway and Brother-In-Laws, Charles and Lawrence Callaway.  Along with a host of special nieces and nephews.  William was predeceased by his wife, Charlene Brown, his sister, Athene Brown, and his son, John Callaway. 

Funeral Services will take place on Saturday at 11AM in St. James AME Zion Church 410 Union St. Allentown, PA Viewing begins at 10AM.  Interment will follow services in St. Mark's Cemetery-Allentown.