Constance Delores Brown

Constance Delores Brown of Richmond, Virginia, departed this life on Saturday, January 27, 2024. She was greeted in heaven by her parents Edward Lorenzo and Marinda Pulliam Brown, her brother, Edward and her longtime partner, John Horace Lee. Constance accepted Christ at an early age and was very active in ministry for many years, especially Christian Education. Her love for singing began in the church choir at Second Baptist Church-Richmond, Virginia. She attended Richmond Public Schools where she also excelled in music...so much so that as a junior high schooler, she was an “invited traveling” member of the Virginia Union University Chorus. Constance attended and was a member of the graduating Maggie L. Walker High School class of 1956. She continued singing until after her graduation from VUU where she received her bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Constance later received her degree and certificate in Education from VCU. She went on to teach high school English at Central High School in King and Queen, VA, and dedicated her time, love of music and ministry to Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in West Point, Virginia with John Lee. During her tenure there, this “singing-piano playing duo” began planning weddings and concerts, etc. Constance was a Senior Class Sponsor and loved her students at Central High. She constantly had students coming up to her with a cheery “Ms. Brown, do you remember me?” In 1975, Constance transferred to Richmond Public Schools where she taught at Armstrong High School. It was at Armstrong that she was most known for her roles as Senior Class Sponsor and “Miss Armstrong” Pageant Sponsor until her retirement after 38 years in Education. It was also during those years that Constance joined and became a devoted and active member of the National Drifters, Inc. where her larger-than-life personality was well known throughout the organization. She participated in many human service and sisterhood activities and held several national offices including National President. She also served on several committees both nationally and in her local Richmond chapter for over 40 years. Remembering her love of music, in 1997 Drifter Constance, Alumna Dr. Mirian Gilbert-Hines and the late Driftwood John Lee established a choir which was later named the John Lee Memorial Choir. It was at National Drifters, Inc. that she and her partner, John, developed long-lasting friendships which served them well until their decline in health. Constance’s infectious laugh will be missed by many for years to come. She is survived by her only sister, Marinda A. Brown, niece, Linda Brown-Nick; longtime friend and close in-law, Dr. Ralph N. Lee; special cousins: Jacquelin Brockington (Alvin, Jr.) and Rev. Gloria Lucas; a host of nieces and nephews in the Brown, Lee, and White families, who affectionately called her “Aunt Constance”; her godchildren, Jan Hembrick and Kirk Jones and the Richmond Chapter of Drifters, Driftwoods and Kindling. A public visitation will be held Tuesday, February 6, 2024, from 2:00pm-6:00pm at Vincent Funeral Home, West Point, VA. Service and interment will be private.

Constance Delores Brown

March 10, 1939 - January 27, 2024