Willis Ray Brown, 72, of Topeka, went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka. He was born November 28, 1943 in Alto, TX, the son of Charley and Alice (Mitchell) Brown.
Willis graduated from Booker T. Washington in Alto, TX in 1963. He has resided in Topeka since 1986. He was employed in the concrete business for 18 years before retiring. He was a member of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church.
Willis married Dorthella J. Ellsworth on November 19, 1987 in Topeka. She survives. Other survivors include two sons, Keith Brown and Willis Brown, Jr., both of California, two step-children, Anthony Marshall of Topeka, Veronica Blackshire of Kansas City, MO, 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, 3 sisters, Rosetta Finley of Los Angeles, CA, Paula Kay Smith of Nacogdochaes, TX, Audrey (Terrance) Clark of Fort Mills, SC and 1 brother, Joe Louis Smith of Alto, TX. Also surviving are 2 aunts, Lorrene Olgotree and Lois Anderson, both of Dallas, TX and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Willis was preceded in death by his parents, one step-daughter, Shelia Taylor and his 7 siblings.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 21, 2015 at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. Private inurnment will take place at a later date. To leave the family a special message, please select the share memories option above.