"I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course"     II Timothy 4:7

Chesapeake — On Thursday, November 27, 2025, Anthony Lee Brown departed this life at Chesapeake Regional Hospital following a long illness.  He was born July 28, 1958 to the late Elizabeth Brown.

Anthony attended Maury High School in Norfolk, VA.  He was employed at Titan America for over 20 years as a truck driver until his health failed. Anthony was known to his family and friends as "Antt", but he was affectionally known as "Papa" or "Sir Papa Locks" by his grandchildren and he had a close relationship with them. His long hair was his pride and for years he would not allow anyone to touch his hair except for his wife. Some of their childhood memories are of their mom styling his hair in various styles such as cornrows, in one ponytail, or a relaxer.

He started a tradition in the family to teach them how to play chess and he used it as an opportunity to teach life lessons.  He often told them that you can never beat the teacher, but several decades later someone finally did. He also spent his Saturdays detailing his car and this too became a teachable moment.  His favorite gospel songs were "Cooling Water" by Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC's and "Something About the Name of Jesus" by Kirk Franklin and the Rance Allen group.

God blessed Anthony to find the love of his life, Ella Brown, 43 years ago and they were joined in marriage on July 24, 1999.  Together, they attended Faith Tabernacle Apostolic Holiness Church.

Anthony was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Brown; his aunt, Willie Mae Spruill; and his brother, Willie Brown.  He leaves to cherish memories with his wife, Ella Brown; one stepson, Larry Conwell; two step-daughters: Gwonda Smith and Genenieve Conwell; grandchildren: Precious Smith, Thurman Smith Jr., Tyler Smith, and Madyson Conwell; one sister, Shirley Stithe; one brother, Ronnie Tatum; a nephew, Julius Stithe; a niece, Tiffany Tatum; a great nephew, Jahlil Bagby; and a host of family and friends.  Anthony Brown will but never forgotten.

A visitation will be held Thursday; December 11, 2025 from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at Fitchett-Mann Funeral Services, 1146 Rodgers Street. A Homegoing Service will follow on Friday; December 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at First Gospel Tabernacle; 1825 Cullen Ave; Chesapeake, VA 23324.

The family invites all who knew and loved Mr. Brown to join them in celebrating his life. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers during this time of bereavement.