Robert Lee Brownlee

God’s child, Robert Lee Brownlee, was born into time on April 21, 1930, in Arkadelphia to the blessed union of Will and Mary Ella Rambo Brownlee. During his early childhood, he gave his life to Christ. Upon retiring and returning to Arkansas, he united with Greater Pleasant Hill during the pastorage of Rev. Ronald Browning. Having been ordained as a deacon in California, he was added to the Deacon Ministry, and served as a member of the Laymen Ministry, as well as the Male Chorus. He was also active in Sunday school and regular in his attendance for Prayer Service and Bible Study until his health began to diminish. Robert attended Peake High School. He later moved to California where he worked various jobs including maintenance at General Motors. Trusting in God’s word “Be thou faithful until death and I will give thee a crown of life,” in his 78th season, Deacon Brownlee answered the call that no man can refuse. He was born into eternity on Monday, December 1, 2008, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Deacon Brownlee was greeted home by his parents, three sisters, two brothers and one step-son. His life and memories will be forever cherished by his wife, Classie Brownlee of Arkadelphia, AR; his children, Betty (Maurice) Washington of Las Vegas, NV, Willie Randolph Brownlee of Rockford, IL, Avon (Tom) Box-Gilmore of Rockford, IL, Elaine Brownlee of Rockford, IL, Kenny Brownlee of Rockford, IL, Marchelle (Charles) Everett of Jacksonville, NC, Vernita Everett of Jacksonville, NC, and Valerie (Greg) Buckley of Rockford, IL; two sisters, Pinky Ellen Pellum of Moreno Valley, CA and Ruby (Orville) Floyd of Riverside, CA; one brother, Joe Brownlee of Arkadelphia, AR; his step-children, Tracy (Elvalyne) Scott of Arkadelphia, AR, Debra (James) Fuller of Manassas, VA, and Shelia Scott of Arkadelphia, AR; two sisters-in-law, Mary Brownlee and Faye Brownlee; 17 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, cousins, other relatives, numerous friends,especially Deacon and Sis. Lawson Dennis whose move from California to Arkansas was influenced by their friendship with Bro. Brownlee; and of course he leaves the Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church family. “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed - in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye………” I Corinthians 15:51-52 Deacon Brownlee will lie in state at Williams Funeral Home on Thursday, December 4, 2008, from 12:00 noon until 6:00 p.m. A Service of Triumph & Thanksgiving will be shared at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2008, in the sanctuary of Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., the pastor will preach a message of comfort and hope. The committal service & earthly resting place will be in Piney Grove Cemetery in the Manchester Community. Bearers of the casket will be Joe Charles Williams, James Jones, Andrew Brownlee, Willie Ed Jones, Herman Jones and Dominique Harper. Honorary bearers will be the Deacons and Male Chorus of Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.