Brett Vonrè Harrell Sr.

Brett Vonré Harrell Sr. transitioned to glory on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. He was born on November 14, 1968 to the late John and Janita Harrell. Brett grew up in Victory Gardens, now known as Cavelier Manor in Portsmouth, Virginia. He graduated from I. C. Norcom Highschool where he was member of the “Marching Greyhounds” Drum Line. He continued one to graduate from Norfolk State University with a Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in media. He was a member of the NSU Jazz Trio also known as “The Power Trio”. At NSU, Brett served as the section leader for the “Million Dollar Funk Squad” in “The Marching Spartan Legion”. He was also a member of the marching band fraternity Phi Mu Alpha. Brett joined Mount Calvary Baptist Church at the age of 15 and continued to serve and worship there the remainder of his life. He served their Music Ministry as the Choir Director, Keyboardist, and most currently the Bass Player. Brett’s phenomenal professional career began in the public school system. He was the music teacher at Sheep Harney Elementary School, served as the Bass player for the Heritage Highschool Flashback R&B shows, and as the Band Director for Sussex County Highschool. Brett was known and loved throughout the entertainment industry as “Bam Bam” Harrell. He was the drummer for the Boogie Band at Busch Gardens Amusement Park. But he was best know as a professional bassist. He performed with several bands including Kustom Made, Phenomenal Sounds, the Unifics, A Touch of Spice, As 1, the Shampagne Band, and the Opium Band. He played for many well-known events such as the Hampton Jazz Festival and the Ebony Fashion Fair Showcase. His talents allowed him to share the stage with many entertainers such as The Gap Band, Glen Jones, Chalie Wilson, and Gregory Porter. Brett was predeceased by his bother Reginald Harrell, sister Brenda Myers, and nephew Tarrell Harrell. He is survived by his son Brett Vonré Harrell Jr., his two daughters Bria Janaé Marcelle Harrell and Jaia T’Keyah Johnson, as well as his brother Allen Harrell, sister JoAnn, Ward, and fiancé Christina C. Gardner. Funeral Services are provided will be at Mount Calvary Baptist Church at 901 Thomas Circle, Portsmouth, VA on Friday, August 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Special thanks to J T. Fisher Funeral Services for their support and service throughout this difficult time. The family also extends special thanks to Brett’s caretakers: · Pastor William S. Hampton and the church family of Mount Calvary Baptist Church · Sentara Heart Hospital Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, · the staff of Davita Greater Portsmouth, · Sentara Leigh Hospital Wound Card Clinic, · Rebecca Pugmire Nurse Practitioner, · Stephen To, MD, as well as · Deloris Pruett-Polite and the multitude of musicians that joined together to make this celebration of life possible. Brett was loved by all and will be greatly missed by his nieces, nephews, and friends.

Brett Vonrè Harrell Sr.

November 14, 1968 - August 2, 2023