On January 30, 2025, Yvonne Sawyer Brown of Norfolk passed away at the age of 87. She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Brown, and three siblings: Dorothy Hines, Dr. (Col (ret)) Fred (Millicent) Sawyer, and James (Maxine) Jones. In death, she will join her late husband, Robert Melvin "Dice" Brown Sr., and her late son, Robert Melvin "Little Dice" Brown Jr.

Yvonne was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Norfolk, and Norfolk State University. She was a beloved teacher in the Norfolk public school system for several decades. Additionally, she was an active member of Mount Zion Baptist Church of Berkley for many years.

Yvonne was raised in a close-knit family. She was a very kind and sharing person. She adored her family and close friends, and they all adored her. In fact, the Browns (family members of her late husband) accepted Yvonne into their household as a fully-fledged family member. She was a devoted mother, sister, and friend to countless individuals. She was especially fond of her grandson, Dominique Smith, who she nurtured, guided, and aided after the death of his father. It should be especially noted that Yvonne and Dorothy cared every day for over a decade for their late mother and father during their advanced stages until their deaths, while Fred was often away engaged in work-related commitments.

After retiring from the school system, Yvonne traveled with busloads of friends to various cities, where they would sightsee and often inquire and visit a Bingo Hall in each city. She loved to play Bingo and remained a passionate enthusiast until her health began to deteriorate in 2023.

Yvonne is survived by countless relatives, some of whom are listed here: Falon (Cornelius) Mayo (granddaughter); Dominique Smith (grandson); Lisa Hines Wood (niece); Kimberly Sawyer (niece); Brittany Wood Jones (niece); Tyrone Jones (nephew); Michael Brown, Raymond Brown, Clarance "Bunny" Brown, Mack Brown, and Charles Brown (brothers-in-law); and Yvonne Mitchell, Vanessa Steward, and Gladys Robinson (sisters-in-law).

It is not nearly enough to say that Yvonne will live "forever in our hearts."

You can join the service livestream at 11:00 am on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at: https://www.facebook.com/PretlowandSons