B.D. Brent

Bernard “B.D.” Brent born into this world as Bernard DeMario Brent on Jan. 29, 1958 departed this earth on Feb. 11, 2022 at his home. B.D. was 64 years old.

B.D. was a remarkable husband, father, grandfather and recently a great-grandfather. His love for his family and friends was indescribable and unconditional. He thrived on life. He enjoyed and welcomed everyone. He never met a stranger.

BD, unlike many others, was able to fulfill his dream as a musician. Having family who were accomplished musicians and performers his entire life, BD knew that was his destined path. Starting his love for music at age 5, he continued to follow his destiny throughout his life. He was an amazing musician and performer. B.D. was a co-founder of the band Cazhmiere before his retirement in 2019 after 20 years of dedication and enjoyment. His fans loved him. He was known for jumping off stage, acknowledging the children, taking the time to take a picture or just say hello.

BD was also a member of the well-known band from Front Royal, VA, labeled as EXCEL before they decided to retire as a band, in the late 1990’s.

B.D. was a graduate of Shepherd University where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Art Education. During his days at Shepherd University, he was a true embodiment of an athlete. He played football, basketball, and later in life played Semi-Pro football in Virginia.

B.D. was a football and baseball coach for years for Clarke County High School. In the late 80’s, he side-lined coached and even painted the helmets for his son’s football team, the Lions, in Front Royal, VA. For several years, B.D. was a softball and basketball coach for his daughter at the South Berkeley Recreational League in Inwood, WV, and a coach for his wife’s women’s softball team in Leetown, WV.

BD was a graphic artistic and driver for Project Hope in Millwood Virginia. He was a teacher, coach, choir director, wood tech instructor and art teacher at Clarke County High in Berryville, WV. He was an instructor at Harpers Ferry Job Corps, and in the end, a Lead Instructor for Adult Education for Berkeley County Schools, Martinsburg, WV.

BD leaves behind his wife, partner, and best friend of 37 years, Phoebe Largent-Brent.

He also leaves behind two children, Michael A. Largent and Danielle Brent-Hankins (loving son-in-law Larry). He had 7 grandchildren, Michael J. Largent, Xzavion Hankins, LaDavion Hankins, Sophia Corbin, Zoey Largent, Raya Largent and ZaLaya Hankins. He also just recently became a great-grandfather to Valentina Largent-Mendez.

He has 4 surviving siblings/cousins: Gregory Williams (wife Joyce) of Front Royal, VA, Bev Williams, of Front Royal, VA, Victor Williams (wife Lynn), of Winchester, Virginia, Ruth Williams Brown (husband Rick), of Inwood, WV. Three aunts: Velma Barbour Bailey (husband Shirley) and Nellie Barbour Barton both of Front Royal, VA, and LaVonne Barbour Moore of Florida. He also leaves a host of loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Also surviving are his extended family, Father-in-Law, Ralph Largent, Sister-in-Laws: Mary Largent Grantham, (husband Stephen), Sheila Largent Washington, (husband Terrance), Jennifer Largent Logan, and Brother-in-Law, J.R. Largent and so very many of his beloved nieces and nephews, all who held a special place in his heart.

BD was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Swan (Barbour) Brent of Washington, DC, and his father, Bernard Brown Brent of Culpepper, VA., his uncle Robert Barbour of Washington, DC, a loving brother/cousin, Nelson Williams of Front Royal, VA, and a loving Mother-in-Law, Genevieve Largent of Martinsburg, WV. BD was raised by two of the most amazing and lifetime-influential landmarks in his life, his aunt and uncle from Front Royal, VA, Willie (Liddie) Barbour Williams and Harvey Nelson Williams, also deceased.

To try and put his lifetime journey on paper is impossible. The accomplishments and achievements he was able to fulfill was amazing and not something many people can say they have accomplished during such a short time on earth, but he did and he loved it. Words cannot even begin to describe the life of BD Brent. Facing many obstacles that arose throughout his short time on this earth, he fought through it all to lead a life of success and became an influential and stable icon in every life he touched.

What can you say about BD?

Amazing, Caring, Loving, just the most amazing individual anyone had the pleasure of meeting.

He has touched our lives in a way that no one could imagine. Our hearts are shattered, heavy and very sad. We will miss him tremendously, but as BD told us, Don’t Be Scared. This type of love only comes once in a lifetime and we are blessed to have had him as long as we did.

Today we say a prayer and thank God to have had been part of his life. We await the time we can all be together again.

May God welcome him with open arms and embrace him as he makes his journey home. Go home BD. You will be forever carried in our hearts. Your musical journey has just begun.

BD’s viewing will be private, as he wished. His life and departure will be honored and remembered with a Celebration of Life in Front Royal, VA at a later date, when the sun is shining and the birds are in flight. He will be remembered with the type of celebration that represents the life that he lived.

Because as BD would say “This Is How We Do It”

Arrangements made by Brown Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be offered at www.BrownFuneralHomesWV.com.