William Alfred "Jake" Brown was born October 24, 1922 in Washington County. He was the son of the late William C. Brown and Lena McNair Brown. He departed this life on Saturday January 26, 2013 at Roanoke Landing Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

William was educated in the public schools of Washington County. He worked on various jobs, including on farms, in a hotel, and with town's sanitation department. He moved to New York where he remained for over forty years. Later, he moved back to Plymouth to be closer to his family.

He leaves to cherish his memory one brother-in-law- Alexander Davenport and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his brother- William "Lank" Brown; eight sisters- Cora Lee Davenport, Mary Hedgebeth, Annie Brown, Lendora Branch, Rebecca Williams, Ruth Brown, Elizabeth Cruse, and Hazel Taylor.

Funeral services were held January 31, 2013 at Toodle's Chapel with Pastor Wayne Welch, Jr. officiating. Burial followed in Toodle's Cemetery.