William Joseph ("Bill") Brown

DEACON WILLIAM JOSEPH BROWN was born on June 8, 1939, to Harry Lee and Allie Brown in Canton, Mississippi. His parents, two sisters - Lena and Hattie; and one brother - Leon; all preceded him in death. 

William, who also went by the nicknames "Billy" and "Bill", was educated in the Saint Louis Public School District. For most of his adult life, he was a garment cutter in the garment industry. He worked in Food Service and Security as well. 

Bill confessed a hope in Christ at an early age at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church where his grandparents were members, under the leadership of Reverend Handley. While a member at Good Hope, he participated in dram.a plays under the leadership of Garland Perry. 

Along his spiritual journey, he met the love of his life, Gwendolyn Hill, at Carter's Institutional C.M.E. under the leadership of Rev. Homer Draper. They were united in holy matrimony on April 9, 1971, and to this union, three children were born -Jason, Natasha, and Justin. 

Bill became a member of Way of Life Outreach Ministry in 1993, under the pastorate of Bishop Anita W. Kelley. He was ordained as a Deacon in January 2011 and remained a faithful servant until the Lord called him home. He was known throughout his life for ministering in song, bellowing out such songs as, "Oh Lord Have Mercy'', the old Dr. Watts' hymn "I Love the Lord, He Heard My Cry", "I Won't Complain", and "I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb". 

The Lord called His faithful servant home on August 27th, 2019. 

Bill leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved and devoted partner of 48 years, Gwendolyn; his three children, Jason, Natasha Williams (Andrew Jr.) and Justin (Mayra); two sisters, Patricia and Dana; five loving grandchildren, Santiago, Gabriel, Constance, Andrew III, and Sebastian; four brothers-in-law, five sisters-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who all loved him dearly. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Joseph ("Bill") Brown, please visit our floral store.