In Loving Memory of Sylviski Van Brown

October 9, 1945 - September 9, 2026

Sylviski Van Brown, 80, of Winston-Salem, NC departed this life on September 9, 2026. He was born on October 9, 1945, to the late Mr. Hazel Brown and Mrs. Elouise Brown in Newport News, VA.

Van was a gentle, kindhearted, and caring man whose life was marked by compassion and generosity. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand, offer encouragement, or make himself available to someone in need. His warm spirit and thoughtful nature made him a source of comfort and strength to many. Above all, Van loved his family deeply and treasured the moments they shared.

Van was educated in Winston-Salem and attended Paisley High School and Forsyth Technical College. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. He retired from the Methodist Children's Home after many years of service. He was a Christian of the Baptist faith.

Van found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, and, most of all, cooking. Preparing meals was one of the ways he expressed his love, bringing family and loved ones together around the table. The care he poured into his cooking reflected the care he showed in every part of his life.

Van was preceded in death by his first wife, Carrie Kennedy Speaks; and his wife at the time of her death, Brenda McFadden Brown; and his parents. Mr. Hazel Brown and Elouise Brown.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory his children, Craig Frazier (Loretta), Steven Brown (Diane), Christopher Brown (Cotisa), Angela Callando (Bart), Antoinette Warren (Robin), Karen Taylor (Fred), LeShawn Amos (Craig), Daryle Simons, Will Charles Simons, and Melissa Moton; his siblings, Sharon Brim, Kevin Barksdale, Anthony Peoples (Niki), Leander Jones (Diane) and Randy Sawyer; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and many other relatives and loved ones.

Van's absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him. Yet his family will continue to find comfort in the memories of his kindness, his laughter, his service, his love of family, and the many ways he gave of himself to others. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and in the love he shared so freely.

Rest peacefully, Van. Your work here is done, but your love, kindness, and memory will live on forever.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.

The family of Sylviski Van Brown wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center and Trellis Supportive Care/ Hospice for your support and the care provided to our loved one. We would also like to thank Pastor Brown and the church family of Rising Ebenezer Baptist Church for their love and support.

There will be no public viewing at the funeral home on Monday, September 21, 2026.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30am Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Salisbury National Cemetery. The family visitation and viewing will be held from 11:00am until 11:30am on Tuesday at the Chapel.