Tony Brothers, the NBA referee, has a compelling story shaped by family, resilience, and the influence of his mother, Dorothy B. Brothers.
Dorothy B. Brothers, born in April 1945, began her college career studying elementary education at Norfolk State University in the 1960s. She had to leave school to start a family.
She raised her son, Tony, and daughter, Sharon Parker, in Norfolk, Virginia, after their father, Bill, died.
As a single mother, Dorothy faced challenges that would test anyone’s resolve, but Dorothy was no ordinary woman.
She was a trailblazer, climbing the ranks to become the senior vice president and national director of minority business development at Bank of America for 30 years.
Her career demonstrated her strong work ethic and determination.
To Tony, she was “Ma“—the woman who taught him the importance of service, faith, and perseverance.
Dorothy’s influence went beyond her professional success.
Tony’s Mother Taught Him The Importance Of Helping Others, A Lesson That Stayed With Him For Life
Growing up in Norfolk, Tony watched his mother balance her demanding career while nurturing her two children.
Her ability to juggle those roles left a lasting impression on him, shaping his drive to make a difference.
Tragically, Dorothy passed away in 2002 at the age of 69, leaving a void in Tony’s life.
On the 21st anniversary of her death, he shared an emotional tribute on social media that captured the depth of their bond.
“Hello Ma,
Via Facebook
Today has been 21 years since you flew away. I had no idea you would never fly back. You spent 37 years teaching me how to fly, but I needed to be more focused in class like most underlings. Thank you for teaching me so many things, especially about God. I know I will see you again, which gives me joy on this date when I was always sad! I love you and miss you!”
His words are raw and heartfelt, revealing a son who still feels his mother’s presence.
Dorothy’s spiritual guidance comforts him and helps him cope with his grief.
As reflected in Tony’s actions, Dorothy’s dedication to service continued even after her passing.
In 2018, he established an endowment at Norfolk State University to support children of single parents.
The donation was significant enough to name the Dorothy B. Brothers Auditorium on campus, a fitting tribute to a woman who embodied resilience and generosity.
Through this endowment and his involvement in the Visionaries Giving Circle, Tony aims to amplify the importance of racial equity and social justice and encourage others to support it.
But Tony’s efforts don’t stop there.
In 2007, he co-founded the Still Hope Foundation, Inc., to assist single mothers in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area.
The foundation provides resources and support to help women navigate the challenges Dorothy once faced.
Additionally, the Dorothy B. Brothers Executive Scholarship Program offers women business owners up to $11,000 in tuition for WBENC-approved executive education programs, empowering them to achieve their professional goals.
Tony also opened Brothers, a fine-dining restaurant in downtown Norfolk.
The name is a nod to his last name, but more importantly, it honors his mother.
With live music and a warm atmosphere, Brothers is where community and connection thrive—values Dorothy held dear.
Tony’s Journey From Norfolk To The NBA Shows The Lessons His Mother Taught Him
He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk and earned a business degree from Old Dominion University.
In 2014, he was honored with the university’s Distinguished Alumni Award, recognizing his contributions on and off the court.
In 2022, Norfolk State University awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, celebrating his impact as a referee, philanthropist, and community leader.
As an NBA referee, Tony has officiated over 1,700 regular-season games, 170 playoff games, and four NBA Finals.
His career is marked by professionalism and respect, qualities he attributes to his mother’s guidance.
Off the court, he’s driven by purpose, using his platform to uplift others just as Dorothy did.
Tony Brothers is more than an NBA referee—he’s a son carrying forward his mother’s legacy.
Dorothy B. Brothers may have left this world in 2002, but her spirit lives on in the auditorium that bears her name, the scholarships that empower women, and the restaurant that brings people together.
Through his philanthropy and community work, Tony ensures that her service, faith, and resilience lessons reach far beyond their Norfolk roots.
In every call he makes on the court and every initiative he supports off it, Tony honors the woman who taught him to fly.
And though he misses her deeply, he finds joy in knowing her light still shines through him.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- He is the Founder of Men for Hope, USA, focused on supporting men and collaborating with organizations that serve women and families.
- Tony was previously married to Monica Brothers and later to Kimberly Jenkins.
- He has three children: Trent, Calvin, and a stepson named Kevin.
