Obituaries

North Carolina-On Saturday, October 14, 2023, Benison Brown, Jr. – better known as ‘Junior’ or ‘Bean’ - entered eternal rest with The Lord. He was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many. Benison was born on September 11, 1952, in Moyock, North Carolina to the late Margaret and Benison Brown, Sr.

Benison was a 1970 graduate of Deep Creek High School and furthered his education at Norfolk State University. He retired from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in 1983. Benison loved family time, thrifting, fishing, and affectionately passed on his ‘need for speed’ on the drag way with his son. He had an unexplained love for Bit-O-Honey candy, and it was nothing for family and friends to come home to a bag of the sweet treats left at the front door.

Benison was married to the late Dianne Brown. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Brown; father, Benison Brown, Sr.; sister, Elaine Bell and brother, Tyrone Smith.

He leaves to cherish his beloved memories: a devoted son, Derrick L. Brown, Sr. (Crystal); two daughters, Theresa Brown and Latrice Lee; two siblings, Blanche B. Crocker and Carol Austin; nine grandchildren: Derrick Brown, Jr., Dominique Brown, Tristan Brown, Morgan Brown, Omarion Alford, Kenya Alford, Jaqwez Grier, Semaj Elliott, and Justice Johnson; six great-grandchildren: Dorian Brown, Dallas Brown, Daxton Brown, Divina Brown, Dominique Brown, Jr., and Sekani Alford; brother-in-law, Archie Barrow, Jr. (Cynthia); sister-in-law, Michelle Miller (David); sister-in-love, Robin Barrow; devoted niece, Natisha Barrow; faithful caregiver and daughter-in-love, Crystal ‘Nell’; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A special ‘thank you’ to the Brown Racing Family: Bruh Bruh (Shae), Royce, Boris, and TJ. Benison shared a close connection with you all and your support over the years is greatly appreciated.

A funeral service will be held Noon Saturday; October 21, 2023 at Fitchett-Mann Funeral Service; 1146 Rodgers Street; Chesapeake, VA 23324. Viewing will be 4-6pm Friday; October 20, 2023. Burial will be in Roosevelt Memorial Park; Chesapeake, VA.