Russell Brown

   Russell Brown, 55, of Columbus, a former Portsmouth resident, passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at Cleveland Clinic. He was born July 18, 1966 in Portsmouth, a son of the late Rebecca Lilly Brown Savage and Edgar Brown, Sr.

   A 1984 graduate of Cleveland East High School, Russell had formerly worked as a cook at area restaurants and for Marion Steel Corp. He loved his church family at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Portsmouth with all his heart and he was loved by MANY. He touched every single soul that he came into contact with - even in his last days. Russell dearly loved all of his family and one of his great joys was to grill for them. For this, his family referred to him as “The Grill Master” because he seemed to know all things about food. 

   His energy was unmatched and it will always be that way. Everyone has that one person, their support, their backbone, their biggest cheerleader, the person that loves them the most in the whole entire world. Russell was that person for a lot of people because he radiated love. There are no words that could describe Big Russ in one paragraph. He was a complex and intellectual individual with many layers. To know him, was to love him.

   Surviving is his daughter Tanisha “Jada” Brown (Williams) of Columbus; five brothers, Charles George of Camden, AL, Edgar Brown, Jr. of Portsmouth, Benjamin (Brenda) Brown of Knoxville, TN, Jimmie Brown of Selma, AL and Rondye (Jessica) Brown of Cleveland; five sisters, Linda Wood of Portsmouth, Barbara Jean Brown of Portsmouth, Gannie (Leon) Jackson of Cleveland, Rebecca Brown Goshay of Portsmouth and Julia Brown of Cleveland; his longtime companion, Raye Parker of Columbus; and many nieces, nephews and their families.

   In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, (Xa) Xavier Brown (Lathrop); and two sisters, Shirley George and Wyetta Brown.

   A Celebration of Russell’s life will be held at 1 P.M. Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church with Bishop Harold Bell and Bishop Willie Winbush officiating.

   The family will receive friends at the church from noon until the Celebration of Life begins.

   Arrangements are under the direction of the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth.

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