Lester Darnell Brumsey
Southampton native Lester Darnell Brumsey died on August 7 at Southampton Hospital. Affectionately known as “Duke,” he was 46.
Born March 4, 1964, in Southampton, he was the son of Marie Francis Brumsey and the late Sylvester Brumsey Jr. His parents made sure that he attended Sunday School every week at King’s Chapel Church of God in Christ, where he was a member of the Sunshine Band, and also instilled in him the importance of education.
He attended Southampton Public Schools, where he excelled academically and was an accomplished athlete in basketball and track, exhibiting exceptional skill in the pole vault. Upon graduating from high school, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Adelphi University in Garden City.
He began his career on Wall Street as a certified pubic accountant, but later—in search of something more fulfilling—became a criminal investigation special agent for the Internal Revenue Service in 1996. He was awarded the Performance Award in August 2001; and in August 2002 was given the Outstanding Award for Protection Mission, for his Secret Service work during the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games. He also won the Special Agents Internal Revenue Service Award for his participation in more than 300 arrests and convictions. He gave more than 15 years of dedicated service to the United States government.
He is survived by his mother, Marie Francis Brumsey of Southampton; a sister, Yvonne Brumsey of Southampton; two brothers, Vincent Brumsey of Southampton and Willie Sylvester Brumsey of Ridge; three nieces, Richelle Caviness, Cindy Brumsey and Maya Brumsey; three nephews, Vinney Allen, Rickey Caviness, and Kevon Brumsey; and his grandmother, Janette Chatman of North Carolina.
He is also survived by three uncles and their wives, Thomas and Ruth Chatman of North Carolina, Michael and Carolyn Chatman of Virginia, and Henry and Shirley May of North Carolina; three aunts, Melinda Brumsey-Brown and her husband Barry of Middle Island, Sarah Wilson of North Carolina and Mary Etheridge of North Carolina; two great-aunts, Janie Brumsey of Southampton and Cora Seymour of Virginia; a very special and loving friend, Sheila Pachall of Brooklyn; and many relatives and friends.
The family received visitors on August 13 at Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton. The funeral was held on August 14 at Kings Chapel Church of God in Christ, with the Reverend Dr. Frank Anthone White officiating. Interment followed at Southampton Cemetery.
on Aug 18, 2010