Denise V. Thomas-Brown, a passionate advocate for underserved communities, died Dec. 22, 2024, in Richmond. She was 66.

Born Oct. 4, 1958, at Richmond Community Hospital, Thomas-Brown was the daughter of the late Merrill L. Thomas of Annapolis, Maryland, and Jeanette Pitchford-Thomas of Richmond. Thomas-Brown graduated from John Marshall High School in 1976 and earned an associate degree in business administration from Pan American Business School. She later obtained a Master of Divinity from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in 2013. Denise continued her education, pursuing a Master of Arts in Christian education.

She dedicated over 30 years to serving her community, with a particular focus on housing and recovery support services. Her work included roles as director of women’s programs for the Next Step Transitional Program, consultant to the Portsmouth Community Service Board, executive assistant at The Healing Place, consultant to the Daughters of Zelophehad Transitional Housing Program and women’s program manager at Hilliard House. She also served as multisite outreach director at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, executive director of SAARA of Virginia and corrections program manager for the McShin Foundation. Thomas-Brown was also a recovery specialist for the Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine and held a variety of leadership roles.

In 2018,Thomas-Brown,was the keynote speaker for the Portsmouth Community Awareness Summit, where she shared her personal journey. Her impactful storytelling drew attention to the dangers of fentanyl.

In recognition of her work, she was appointed to the Governor’s Substance Abuse Services Council in July 2023.

Thomas-Brown’s family was central to her life, particularly her two sons, Joseph N. Brown III and Marcel A. Minor II, whom she loved deeply. She also found support within her Narcotics Anonymous family, attending meetings regularly to encourage others in their recovery.

Thomas-Brown’s spiritual journey began with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church’s Prison Ministry and the Richmond Hill Retreat Center. Her faith was a cornerstone of her 29 years of long-term recovery, exemplifying the power of community and resilience.

She is survived by her sons, Joseph and Marcel; brothers David Michael Thomas (Sandy), Merrill Larnell Thomas II, Larry Edwards (Betty), Philippe Graff (Rosy); and sisters Michelle M. Benning (Amos) and Evelyn Black Brisbon Smith. She is also mourned by her niece Aryn Benning, cousins Judy Connelly and William T. Mitchell, as well as friends, family and colleagues. Thomas Brown’s Celebration of Life service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday Feb. 15, 2025 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.