Ryan Matthew Brown

February 22, 1986 – February 13, 2025

On February 13, 2025 a courageous life came to an end when Ryan, son of Matthew and Marion-Frances Brown and older brother to Andrew Lawrence Brown finally succumbed to a life-long battle with cancer.

Despite debilitating symptoms and surgeries since the age of eight and finally being diagnosed at 17, Ryan never let cancer get the best of him. He saved that for the world. His life of volunteerism began at six years old in the Nimmo church nursery and grew and grew into philanthropic work with multiple city groups. His business administration degree from Old Dominion University provided the knowledge base he needed to create his own nonprofit organization, One Step Ministries, from which he planned to provide services to the youth of the area. His heart was always concerned for youth whether it be for their spiritual development as he served as youth director in various churches or for their basic life needs as he worked for such organizations as Stand Up for Kids, The Up Center and YOU organization. That concern reached globally as he sponsored multiple children through World Vision International. He was rock steady in his faith and devotion to God and believed that his cancer gave him experiences that allowed him to relate his faith to others on levels he couldn’t have otherwise. His mission work allowed him to experience God’s world through service. He loved being able to truly see people in their real lives and offer help in meeting their daily needs. Several of his favorite experiences were provided through his mission trips as a member of Voices of Youth both as choir member and leader. God knew Ryan’s time would be short and blessed him with a hunger and drive to do all the good that he could, for all the people he could, in all the places he could, in all the ways that he could for as long as he could.