Bessie E. Brownlee, 78, of Rockford, IL went home to Glory Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, after a long illness.
Bessie was born Oct. 5, 1933, in Sparkman, AR, daughter of John and Amy Craig. She married Robert Brownlee in 1948 in AR. To this union they were blessed with nine children. She moved to Rockford in 1958. She was a founding member of Gomez Chapel AME Church. Bessie worked at Garrison Elementary School as a lunchroom monitor, which was perfect for her and her love of children.
Survived by son, Kenny Brownlee; daughters, Betty (Maurice) Washington, Avon (Thomas) Gilmore, Elaine (Melvin Gibson) Brownlee, Marchelle (Charles) Everett, Vernita Everett and Valerie (Greg) Buckley. Bessie is also survived in fond memory by 17 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Flora Polk and Francis Allen.
Predeceased by parents; late husband, Robert Brownlee; infant son, Robert Wayne; son, Willie Randolph Brownlee; sister, Ora Tidwell; and brothers, London and Lee Andrew Craig.
Service at noon Saturday, Jan. 7, at Gomez Chapel AME Church, with visitation from 10 a.m. to service time. Arrangements by Collins & Stone Funeral Home, 128 S. Fifth St., Rockford.
Published in Rockford Register Star from January 6 to January 7, 2012
Bessie E. Brownlee, 78, of Rockford, IL went home to Glory Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, after a long illness.
Bessie was born Oct. 5, 1933, in Sparkman, AR, daughter of John and Amy Craig. She married Robert Brownlee in 1948 in AR. To this union they were blessed with nine children. She moved to Rockford in 1958. She was a founding member of Gomez Chapel AME Church. Bessie worked at Garrison Elementary School as a lunchroom monitor, which was perfect for her and her love of children.
Survived by son, Kenny Brownlee; daughters, Betty (Maurice) Washington, Avon (Thomas) Gilmore, Elaine (Melvin Gibson) Brownlee, Marchelle (Charles) Everett, Vernita Everett and Valerie (Greg) Buckley. Bessie is also survived in fond memory by 17 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Flora Polk and Francis Allen.
Predeceased by parents; late husband, Robert Brownlee; infant son, Robert Wayne; son, Willie Randolph Brownlee; sister, Ora Tidwell; and brothers, London and Lee Andrew Craig.
Service at noon Saturday, Jan. 7, at Gomez Chapel AME Church, with visitation from 10 a.m. to service time. Arrangements by Collins & Stone Funeral Home, 128 S. Fifth St., Rockford.
Published in Rockford Register Star from January 6 to January 7, 2012
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