Pastor Emeritus Woodrow M. Brown, Jr., affectionately known as "Woody", was born on September 17, 1944, to the late Reverend Woodrow M. Brown, Sr. and Edith Powell Brown in Lynchburg, VA.

Woodrow was a graduate of Huntington High School class of 1962, earned his BS degree in Business from Hampton Institute and a Master of Divinity Degree from Virginia Theological Seminary. He served in the United States Army for two years including a tour of duty in Vietnam and was a recipient of the Purple Heart.

Upon completion of his military service, Woodrow answered his calling from God.  In 1975 he became Assistant Pastor of First Baptist Church East End, Newport News, VA under the leadership of his father, Pastor Woodrow M. Brown, Sr. He served as Senior Pastor from 1985 to 2000. His acts of service and achievements are many, some of which include the establishment of The Family Life Center, the founding of The Way, Inc., and served as the Southeast Representative of American Baptist Churches, USA. He was elected to the Newport News City Council in 1984.

Woodrow's life exemplified a spirit of compassion and dedication which was demonstrated through his love for God, family, church, and community. God called Woodrow home on December 2, 2021. He had fought a good fight, he had finished his race, and he had kept the faith.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Elaine; two sons, Woodrow (Irene) and Robert (Tiffani); five grandchildren, Vittorio, Isabella, Isaiah, Judah, and Aurum; three sisters, Woodrena Curtis (Ronald), Rodgerline Vann (Frankie), and Renee Holloman (Thaddeus); and one brother, Maurice Angenvine; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and special friends.

A private Celebration of Life Service will be held and live streamed (Facebook live, First Baptist Church East End and Youtube/myfbcee.org) at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 10th at First Baptist Church East End.  Funeral services have been entrusted to O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home in Newport News, Virginia.