Geravis Brown

Geravis Anninos Brown “G. A.” was born February 3, 1949 in Portsmouth to the late Claudie and Ruth Brown. He was a product of the Portsmouth Public School system, growing up in the Brighton neighborhood. Following high school, he enlisted in the the United States Army where he served as a paratrooper of the 101st Airborne during the Vietnam War. Immediately following his time in the Army he became employed with the United States Postal Service in Washington, D. C. In 1971, he joined Portsmouth Police Department. As a Portsmouth Police officer he served in Uniform Patrol and became the first African American K-9 Officer in the state of Virginia. He also served as a Detective in homicide and larceny squads. He then became the first African American Public Information Officer in the Tidewater Area (1986-1995). With a mind for promoting unity and change amongst the police department, he was a charter member of the Minority Police Officer’s Association of Portsmouth in 1989. To add to the list of his many accomplishments, G. A. was named as the Police Officer of the year in 1991. Throughout his time with the Police Department, he was actively involved in the coordination of the Special Olympics and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1995, and retired in December after 25 years of service. Following his time with PPD he briefly served as an officer with the Norfolk International Airport Police Department. He then joined the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office where he served as a Local Probation Officer, retiring in 2017. As a testament to his commitment to public safety, he was awarded the Citizen Valor Award in 2017 by the Portsmouth Police Department for aiding an officer in distress. He was a also a dedicated member of the American Legion Post #190 where he contributed to numerous back to school drives. He was predeceased by his brothers; Claudie Brown, Jr. and Harrison Brown; and his sister Lois Coleman. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years Rosetta Bates Brown, children Angela Simmons (Larry), Alisa Hinton (DeAnthony), Juanita Brown, Geravis “Little G. A.” Brown (Jazmyn), and Kristal Brown. Grandchildren: Rakeia Brown, Omari Simmons, Jonah Hinton, Gunnar A. Brown, and bonus grandson Evander Foster. Sisters: Evelyn Comeaux and Angela Follins (Bernard). He is also survived by a number of nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was the consummate family man and placed the care of his family as his highest priority. A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He was a leader in the neighborhood and was known for assisting and guiding younger police officers. G. A. was a great dancer, jokester, and would help anyone in need; often the life of the party. The ultimate gentleman, hard worker and role model for his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He will also be affectionately remembered as a role model to his children’s friends and always referred to his wife as “My Bride.” A steady beacon of responsibility, generosity, and concern for the wellbeing of others, until God called him home.

Geravis Brown

February 3, 1949 - June 2, 2026