Deacon Donald C. Brown, Sr. affectionately known as "Donnie" was born October 26, 1943, in Johnsonville, South Carolina to the late Murray Lee Brown and Margaret Edwards Brown. He was the youngest of twelve born to this union.
Deacon Brown graduated from Battery Park High School in South Carolina. He also attended Vintage Bible College. Donnie retired from R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in 1998 after 34 years of service. Spiritually, Deacon Donnie was a faithful member of New Trinity Baptist Church for more than 30 years. He took pride in performing the duties of deaconship and was always willing to lend a helping hand in other capacities when needed.
Known for his smooth tenor voice, Donnie had a passion for singing and was associated various gospel groups in Winston-Salem. Some of the groups included Bill Pratt and the Gospel Crusaders, The Gospel Stylistics, and then forming an acapella group called The New Trinity Gospel Singers in which he managed for over 20 years.
He was joined in holy matrimony on December 5, 1964, to Aubrentine Bristow. This union was blessed with four children: Donna Renee, Rhonda Yvette, Donald, Jr., and Lonnie Ray. Although he had only four biological children, he was also a father figure to many others.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by eleven siblings and son-in-law, Levaughn Raphael Miller.
Left to cherish his memories are his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Mrs. Aubrentine Bristow Brown. Devoted children: Donna Renee (Donald) Fulton, Rhonda Yvette Miller, Donald C. Brown, Jr, and Elder Lonnie (Kimberly) Brown, daughter-in-law, Carol Brown. Four grandchildren: special grandson, Anthony T. Westberry, Jr., Donald J. Brown, Julian C. Brown, and Steven Brogdon, five great grandchildren, sisters-in-law: Mrs. Mary Brown of South Carolina, Alberta Brown, Mrs. Vonnie Young, Mrs. Dorothy May of Concord, Nc, Mrs. Mae (Harry) Carethers, Mrs. Iona Hairston, and Mrs. Gail Howard, brother-in-law, Mr. Elgent Cooper. Lifetime friend, Carl B. Hines, special niece, Stephanie A. Hairston and numerous other nieces, nephews, friends, other family members and church members who loved him dearly.
A public viewing will be held Friday August 11, 2023, from 1pm until 5pm at Douthit's. Funeral services will be held Saturday August 12, 2023, at 12:30pm from Bethlehem Baptist Church and interment will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 12:00pm at the church. Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services.