Willie M. Brown, affectionately known as "Pete" greeted everyone with his infectious smile and a good laugh. He is known by his family and friends as a man with a kind heart, a humble man who would go out of his way to help in any way. A man who loved God and family. Willie Brown was born in Milledgeville, Georgia on February 11, 1937.

He moved with his wife and family to New York in 1961. He was an animal lover and worked on the east side of Manhattan as a dog groomer. His specialty was grooming poodles for wealthy celebrity clients. He was also a car and truck enthusiast who owned multiple of each. His occupation for over 45 years was working with cars in the position of garage manager and Teamsters member with Chelnik Parking. He was admired by many of his clients for the meticulous care he gave to each car. He retired in 2007 and many of his customers attended his celebration along with his family and friends to show their appreciation for his many years of service.

 Willie and his family were faithful members of Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ in Harlem where he was baptized. He served many years on the usher board. In his later years he was honored as Senior Usher. Willie shared in the Annual Outreach services where he is remembered for grilling with a smile. The pastor, Bishop James H. Gaylord and Willie were close friends and considered each other brothers, sharing many holidays and family gatherings together. He became a 2nd father to so many members of Kelly Temple. He and his wife, Mother Agnes Brown were well loved and respected for their culinary skills. Holidays at the Brown house became an open house for Kelly Temple church members as well as the members of The Brown Family. Pop Brown was best known for his special recipe for collard greens and cornbread.

After the passing of his wife and oldest daughter in 2012, Willie returned to Milledgeville where he was surrounded by family support and love particularly by his three sisters. Willie loved his garden. He was especially proud of his collard greens and tomatoes which he shared. He was proud of his yard and could be seen often on his riding mower.

 He is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years Agnes L. Brown; his oldest daughter Janice M. Brown - Morris; his mother and father Charlie and Eugenia Brown; his four brothers - Johnny Brown, Robert Brown Sr., Charlie Brown Jr., Geneva Brown; his three sisters, Lucille Goddard, Lula Mae Phelps and Gracell Hawkins.

He leaves to cherish his life and memory: one daughter, Cynthia E. Brown: three sons, Launie L. Brown, Willie Mario Brown (Dreamer Brown) and Michael A. Brown (Hazel Brown).; two brothers-in-law, Tommy Frank Phelps (Anita Phelps) of Wellford, SC, James Phelps (Bettye Jean Phelps) of The Bronx, NY; two sisters-in-law; Bernice Matthews (Robert Matthews - deceased) of White Plains, NY and Annie Brown (Robert Brown - deceased) of Milledgeville, GA.  A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, family and friends