Ernest Brown – Metropolitan Funeral
Emma Valentine
Published Apr 19, 2026
Ernest Brown, 79, departed this earthly life on July 17th, 2022, to dwell in his new heavenly home. Deacon Brown was born October 17th, 1942, to the late John Hale and the late Cora Brown Staton. He was raised by his grandparents, the late Charles J Brown and Alice Brown Cummings.
Deacon Brown leaves to cherish his partner in life Susie Springs. Five daughters Alice Cuffee, Ernestine Williams, Tinishia Stephenson Boothe (Gregory), LaTonya Mathews (Anton), and Jeno Cuffee (Troy). One son, Derrick Mann (Sherell), 20 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren and a host of other family and friends. He is predeceased by his son Christopher Brown, daughter Melody Spence and his best friend, Lucky Bartholomew Brown (his dog).
Also celebrating his life are his sisters, Mary Mabry and Linda Harris of Chesapeake, VA, Joan Sessoms (Jaspher) of Rocky Mount, NC, Isabelle Battle (James) of Nash, NC, Carolyn Lawrence, Maggie Hayes of Tarboro, NC, Lillie Hale and Runnette Pitman. Brothers Nelson Staton of Raleigh, NC, James Staton of Robersonville, NC, Ronald Staton of Chesapeake, VA, Napoleon Hill, Reginald Hill, Frank Hale, Horace Staton of Rocky Mount, NC and Willie Hale. He is predeceased by sisters Cora Staton, Effie Barnes, Brenda Myrick, Joyce Higgs, Bethal Hill and Anne Pope Caine; Brothers William C Staton, John Staton, Charles Hill, James Hale, Jensey Hill and Charles Brown Sr.
Ernest worked at Planters Manufacturers for five years, Robbie’s Home Center for eighteen years and Georgia Pacific for fifteen years.
He received Christ at an early age at New Jerusalem COGIC, Portsmouth, VA under the guidance of Pastor Thomas E Davis Sr and Missionary Rosa M. Davis. He then attended Mt. Sinai RZVA Church under Pastor David Johnson, Solid Rock Outreach Ministry under Pastor Rodney Mills and Greater Mt Zion COGIC, Portsmouth, VA under Dr. Charles Hicks.
Deacon Brown LOVED to Sing. In addition to singing in church choirs, he belonged to several quartet groups including The Norfolk Aires, The Temple Aires and The Singing Messengers. His favorite songs were the “The Love of God” and “I will Trust in the Lord”.
His favorite motto was “Just remember I’m the Man”.
