The gospel music community is mourning the loss of Vanessa Brown Knowles, the legendary vocalist and founding member of the award-winning quartet The Brown Singers, who tragically passed away at the age of 63.
Knowles, remembered for her powerful and soulful quartet voice, died on Sunday, September 28, 2025, in a multi-vehicle crash on I-55 near Festus, Missouri. According to Fox 2 Now, a Louisiana man has been taken into custody and is facing charges in connection with the accident, which claimed three lives. The Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims as Vanessa Brown Knowles, 63, of Memphis, Tennessee; Donnie Briggs, 66, of Memphis; and Darla Parris, 53, of Hillsboro, Missouri.
Vanessa’s death was publicly announced on September 29 by family friend A. Louise Bonaparte on Facebook and confirmed by her daughter, gospel artist Lisa Knowles-Smith, who paid tribute to her mother in a heartfelt Instagram post.
Born into a gospel legacy, Vanessa was the daughter of Willie Mae “Brown” Richmond, the original founder of The Brown Singers in 1976. She later became one of the group’s most recognizable voices, known for delivering beloved gospel staples such as “Work On Me,” “Jesus Is On the Main Line,”and “Never Really Know.”
Together with the group, Knowles achieved widespread acclaim. Most recently, The Brown Singers earned two Stellar Gospel Music Awards in 2024 for their album Live in Memphis 2, winning Traditional Duo/Chorus Group of the Year and Quartet of the Year.
Beyond her music, Vanessa was a symbol of strength and resilience. In 2002, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. After enduring six months of chemotherapy and 34 radiation treatments, she became cancer-free in April 2003—a triumph she credited to her faith and determination.
Lisa Knowles-Smith, who now leads Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers, is continuing her mother’s legacy, but she described the family’s loss as “devastating” and a major blow to the quartet community.
The passing of Vanessa Brown Knowles marks not only a personal tragedy for her family but also a significant loss for the gospel industry, where her voice, ministry, and legacy will live on for generations.
Prayers and condolences are pouring in from fans, friends, and fellow gospel artists across the nation.
