On Sunday, October 4, 2015, Calvin "Ricky" Lathan Brown, entered into eternal life after a long battle with illness. He was surrounded and supported by his loving family. Calvin was born on February 18, 1954 in Norfolk, Virginia to the late Henry Lathan and Carrie Elizabeth Brown. He is predeceased by a brother, Bobby Brown of Staunton, Virginia.

Calvin grew up in Norfolk, Virginia and was a 1972 graduate of Lake Taylor High School. He later, joined the United States Navy and served for four years. He worked several jobs before settling in the job with the Veterans Hospital in Hampton, VA, where he worked as a Medical Coder until he retired on disability. Calvin fought a long fight with End Stage Renal disease for 15 years.

Calvin was a caring and loving person, if he had it, it was yours, whether you needed it or not. He never met a stranger. Calvin was known for his GQ fashions, he had to be coordinated, from head to toe. He loved to dress and step out in style.

He lived for his children, raising his two youngest daughters as a single parent. The grandchildren were his heart, whenever he was in their company he felt he was in heaven. He never hesitated to inform the nurses and doctors that he just wanted to spend his last days with his grandchildren. During his last days in the hospital, he spent time with them, with the nurses taking pictures as he expressed his love. Calvin said that he was tired and ready to go "home". He was ready and we had to let him go. Although, Calvin had not joined First Baptist Church Campostella, he would attend on occasions. But more importantly, last year, he accepted Christ as his personal savior and had in depth discussions with the hospital chaplain, on baptism and salvation. She assured him he was saved and that it was a process that he had to work at every day. So, yes when he said that he was ready, he was ready.

He leaves to cherish his memory, three daughters, Shanel White (Chesapeake), Whitney and Danielle Drake (Norfolk); a son, Travis White (Norfolk); sister, Carol Drumgo (Chesapeake); and brother, Dwight Brown (King George County, VA); ten grandchildren, Daviont'e "Chuckie", Ro'maiya, Breah, Zaniya Drake, Aaliyah Drake, Milian Taylor, Tieyoun and Malique Floyd, Tra'Aysia Mitchell and Dream White; nieces, Tiffany Drumgo and Jennifer Murray and nephew, Derek Drumgo; and a host of loving great nieces and nephews, relatives, and childhood friends.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church Campostella. Viewing will be from 3-7pm Friday at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake, where the family will meet-and-greet friends from 6-7pm. Condolences can be offered to the family at www.pretlowandsons.com.