Willie ‘Top’ Brumsey Dies July 6

Willie Sylvester Brumsey, known to many as “Top,” of Southampton, died on July 6 at the Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead.

Born December 17, 1961, in Southampton, to Marie Frances Brumsey and the late Sylvester “Baker” Brumsey Jr., his parents nurtured his spiritual growth at an early age by making sure that he attended Sunday school every week at King’s Chapel Church of God In Christ. They also instilled in him the importance of education.

He attended Southampton schools and enrolled in BOCES culinary classes. He loved the kitchen and especially loved his mother’s pig’s feet, potato salad, and collard greens. He was a cook and busboy at Barrister’s Restaurant in Southampton and later was employed at the Synchronal Fulfillment Center in Southampton. Survivors said he loved to dress and look good and that he was a loving, caring, giving and thoughtful person.

In 2002, he became a resident at the Ridge Rest Home and lived there until his death.

He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Sylvester and Lucille Brumsey Sr.; his maternal grandparents, Willie Edward and Janet Jefferson Chatman; and a brother, Lester “Duke” Brumsey.

He is survived by his mother, Marie Frances Brumsey; a sister, Yvonne Brumsey of Southampton; a brother, Vincent Brumsey of Southampton; three nieces, Sydney Brumsey, Richelle Caviness and Maya Brumsey; three nephews, Vinney Allen, Ricky Caviness and Kevon Brumsey; three uncles, Thomas Chatman and wife Ruth of North Carolina, Michael Chatman and wife Carolyn of Virginia, and Henry Chatman and wife Shirley Mae of North Carolina; an aunt, Melinda Brumsey-Brown and husband Barry of North Carolina; a great-aunt, Janie Brumsey of Southampton; and two very special friends of the family, Sheila Pachall of Brooklyn, and Roosevelt “Tate” Ward of Southampton; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service took place at Community Baptist Church in Southampton with the Reverend Donald E. Butler officiating. Interment followed at Southampton Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.