Ms. Bessie M. Brown

THE LIFE OF BESSIE M. BROWN Bessie Mae Brown entered this world on March 12, 1932, born to Dave Conway and Luberta Johnson Conway in Collinston, Louisiana. She was the youngest of four children. Bessie accepted Christ at an early age at New Star Baptist Church in Collinston. Later, she united with New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin under the leadership of Rev. R.L. Lathan, where she remained a member for 68 years. Bessie was a graduate of Morehouse Parish High School in Bastrop, LA and received her formal education at Robinson Business College in Monroe, LA. She was a strong believer in education and encouraged her children and grandchildren to pursue a higher education. She was united in holy matrimony to Lee Ernest Brown Sr. on May 24, 1953. They rernoined life partners for 46 years until he was called to his heavenly home in 1999. To this union, five children were born: Sherry, Delmore, Lee Jr.. Jeffrey, and Demetrius. Throughout her life, Bessie loved working in her church and participating in civic activities. She served as president of the New Hope Mission Society for over 10 years. She also actively participated in the Evangelistic Team, Prison Ministry, Sunday School, and Bible Study. She was most proud of her membership with the State and National Baptist Convention, Women's Auxiliary. She served in various capacities for over 30 years and never missed traveling to the annual convention. Among her many achievements, Bessie got pleasure from the 26th street , neighborhood. For 55 years, mom fed, advised, baby sat, and fussed at the neighborhood children. As they became adults, she fussed at them, then their children, and even their grandchildren. She also loved traveling, and most of all, talking on the telephone. Bessie was employed in many avenues throughout her career, including stints at Milwaukee County Hospital, and Brooks Brothers men's clothing store. She worked over 20 years for the Milwaukee School System as a food service manager. God called Bessie to her heavenly home on Christmas Day, December 25, 2023. She was preceded in death by her: husband, Lee Sr.; son, Delmore; siblings, William Conway, Dave Conway Jr.. and Virginia Fenceroy; and her treasured nephews who were sons to her, Charles, Melvin, Raymond, and Larry. She leaves to cherish her memory: daughter, Sherry Ann; sons, Lee Jr. (Vanessa Ann), Jeffrey (Thelma), and Demetrius (Venice); grandchildren, Kholid. Eboney, Desiree, Justin, Ellis, Brianna, Deandre, DJ, Kristina, Josiah, and Sojourner; five great-grandchildren; special nieces, Brenda (Dean) Loche and Felicia Robinson; nephew, Rodney (Brenda); special friend, William Mitchell; as well as many other family and friends.

Ms. Bessie M. Brown

March 12, 1932 - December 25, 2023