CUMBERLAND, Jan. 15 – Deacon Joseph William Brown Sr., 72, of Cumberland, departed this life on Friday, January 9, 2009 in Farmville.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Bettie Brown; three sons, Joseph Jr. (Pamela), Faron (Kimberlyn), and Michael Ray (Iris); two daughters, Tracy Brown-Avery and Felencia Jamison (Calvin); 11 grandchildren, one devoted, Toccara; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Jane Davenport (Ralph), and Florine Wimberly (Haywood); six sisters-in-law; three brothers-in-law; other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday at noon at Petersville Baptist Church, New Canton, with the Rev. Ollie Bolden, pastor, and the Rev. James Jefferson, eulogist.

Marian Gray Thomas Funeral Home, Cumberland, is in charge of services.