Lavinia Delora Batten Brown

September 9, 2026, may mark the day Lavinia Delora Batten Brown left this earthly life at her home in Centreville, Virginia, but it will never define the life she lived. Lavinia was a beloved daughter, devoted mother, sister, friend, athlete, cheerleader, woman of faith, and so much more
to those blessed to know and love her.

The name Lavinia is of Latin origin and is associated with purity and the ancient Italian city of Lavinium. Lavinia was born on October 18, 1994, to Denise Batten and Kevin Williams in Hampton, Virginia. Throughout her life, she was affectionately known by many loving nicknames. From Poocalou to Poo, Pook to Pumpkin, Fruit Loop to Special K, each name tells a story and represents a different piece of a woman who was deeply known and deeply loved.

Poo accepted Christ at an early age at Campbell’s Chapel A.M.E. Church. During her time a Campbell’s Chapel, she was actively involved in the life of the church, participating in the Youth Choir, Usher Board, and Young People’s Division (YPD). These early experiences helped establish a foundation of faith, service, and community in her life. 

During her formative years, Poo attended An Achievable Dream Academy through the eighth grade. She later attended Walsingham Academy in Williamsburg, Virginia, before continuing her education at Kecoughtan High School.

From the time she was a little girl, athletics were an important part of Poo’s life. Whether on the field, court, or sidelines, she possessed natural athletic ability, a competitive spirit, and a love for being part of a team. Her athletic journey began with T-ball at Anderson Park and continued with the Jr. Yankees. While attending An Achievable Dream, Poo expanded her athletic talents to include tennis, basketball, and cheerleading. As she grew older, so did her passion for competition. 

Basketball became a significant part of her athletic journey. Poo played with the Black Widows and Lady Vikings, as well as junior varsity basketball at Heritage High School. She continued playing the sport she loved while attending Walsingham Academy and Kecoughtan High School. Poo also had a special passion for cheerleading. She cheered at Doris Miller, An Achievable Dream, and Kecoughtan High School, developing the talent, confidence, and leadership skills she would eventually carry to the collegiate level. 

Following high school, Poo attended Virginia Union University, where she continued her cheerleading journey as a proud VUU Rah Rah. Her natural ability to lead quickly became evident when she made history as Virginia Union University’s first freshman cheer captain. As a student-athlete, she demonstrated the dedication required to balance academics, athletics, leadership, and the responsibilities of college life.

Poo successfully completed that journey in May 2018, proudly graduating from Virginia Union University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Her graduation represented more than an academic achievement; it was another reflection of the determination and perseverance she demonstrated throughout her life. She started as an intern at Domninion Energy while in college and was hired full time upon graduation. Her dedication and hardwork earned her three promotions with the Dominion.

A new and beautiful chapter began when Poo married Brandon Brown on January 6, 2020. Their marriage brought together love, partnership, and family, and from their union came three beautiful children: Lyric, Zuri, and Brandon.

 Of all the accomplishments, titles, and roles Poo experienced throughout her life, being a mother was among the most meaningful. Her children became a lasting reflection of the love she and Brandon shared and will forever be a part of the legacy they created together. She loved her children deeply, and through them, a beautiful part of Poo will continue to live, grow, laugh, dream, and love.

Poo approached life with a spirit that was uniquely her own. She was competitive yet loving, strong yet caring, and carried a personality that those who knew her will never forget. She was not simply one thing to everyone—she was a daughter, a mother, a sister, a goddaughter, a teammate, a classmate, and a friend. To many, she was simply Poo, and that name alone carries countless memories.

Although Poo’s earthly journey ended far sooner than those who loved her would have wished, her story does not end here. Her legacy lives on through her children, her family, the friendships she formed, the teams she helped lead, and the countless memories held by everyone who had the privilege of sharing in her life. She was preceded in death by her maternal great-grandparents, Ben and Evelyn Batten; paternal grandparents, George M. Williams Jr. and Francine Williams; and grandmother, Lavinia Batten. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her three beloved children, Lyric, Zuri, and Brandon; her parents, Kevin and Denise Batten-Williams; grandfather, Alvin Major; sister, Deja Batten; brothers, Dimitri Batten (Jo Niquia) and Dorian Williams; aunts, Cathy and Kimberly Williams, Danielle and SheRhonda Major; uncles, Derius and Le’Mar Batten, and Robbie Williams (Renee); godfathers, Derek Campbell and Stanley Johnson Sr.; godmothers, Kassandra Ford, Sheila Johnson, and Rhonda Davis; several nieces and nephews and a host of cousins, extended family members, friends, teammates, classmates, and loved ones who were blessed to share in her life.

Her voice may now be still, and the courts and sidelines may no longer hear her cheers, but the love she gave, the memories she created, and the lives she touched will continue to speak for her. And when those who loved her hear the names Poocalou, Poo, Pook, Pumpkin, Fruit Loop, or Special K, they will remember not how her life ended, but how beautifully and fully Lavinia lived.

On Friday, September 18, 2026 viewing will take place from 3-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12pm on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at First Gravel Hill Baptist Church. Interment will follow the service in the Campbell's Chapel AME Church Cemetery. Please keep the Batten, Williams and Brown family in your prayers.