LITTLETON — Dempsey Burwell Brown departed this earthly life on Friday, Nov. 14, 2008, at his home in Littleton.

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Mr. Brown was born May 30, 1931, in the Embro Community of Warren County, the son of the late Jessie P. Brown and Arneader Howard Brown. During his youth, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and joined Oak Grove Baptist Church in Littleton. For numerous years, he served as Sunday school superintendent and assistant Sunday school teacher. He was a devoted faithful member and seldom missed a Sunday worship service until his health began to decline.

His formal education was received in the public schools of Halifax County, where he attended the former McIver High School in Littleton. His first job was as a mechanic when he was hired by David Faulcon, who owned a business on Highway 158 in Littleton. He used his knowledge and love of working “under the hood” to willingly come to the rescue of others in his community and surrounding areas whenever needed. After receiving certification as a brick mason, he had the opportunity to assist with building the Roanoke River Dam. He once operated a shoe store in Littleton, and then became employed at the former J.P. Stevens and Company, later named The Bibb Company, of Roanoke Rapids, where he retired after many years of dedicated service. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Claude W. Brown.

Those surviving to forever treasure the memory of his life are his sisters, Darie Brown Dorsey (James) of Littleton and Vada B. Ellison (Thomas) of Lindenwold, N.J.; five nephews, Kelvin Hyke (Cindy) of Pleasantville, N.J., Melvin Hyke of Roanoke Rapids, Michael Ellison (Denese) of Florida, Anthony Ellison and Edward Ellison (Roselyn) of New Jersey; three nieces, Karen Brown of Florida, Yelonda Brown of Georgia and Tamara Brown of Philadelphia; six great-nephews, Geron and Damian Hyke of North Carolina and Kelvin Hyke Jr., Damian Ellison and Michael Ellison Jr., all of New Jersey; and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20, at Robinson Funeral Home in Littleton, which is handling the arrangements, with the Rev. Kelvin Hyke officiating.

Online condolences may be made at www.robinsonfuneralhomenc.com.