Reflections of a Life Well Lived Lillie Mae Brown was born January 17, 1927 in Tie Plant, Arkansas, located outside of Little Rock, to Bill and Anna Simmons. She was the 15th and youngest child born to this union. Lil, as she was fondly known to her friends and family, migrated to Detroit, Michigan with her mother in 1941, following her older brothers and sisters, in pursuit of a better life. She attended and graduated from Miller High School in 1945. Lillie accepted Christ at an early age and served at Greater Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverends H.H. Coleman and David A. Johnson for over 40 years. She was a lifelong member of the Usher Board, a Sunday School Teacher and a leader in the youth Department. She was also a member of Russell Street Missionary Baptist Church and ultimately, Unity Baptist Church of Detroit, having spent her life in service of the Lord. In 1948, Lillie gave birth to her oldest son, Michael Lane McClain and on July 19, 1953, Lillie was joined in holy matrimony to Henry Armstrong Brown in Fremont, Ohio. To this union three sons were born: Henry Craig, Daryl Armstrong and Gregory McKinley. They were happily married for 28 years, with Henry preceding her in death in 1981. Lil retired from Detroit Public Schools in June of 1986, after beginning as a lunch attendant and then a bus aide in 1966 She ended her career as a teacher’s aide, working with mentally and physically disabled students at Duffield and Wingert schools. Prior to DPS, she worked at Elouise hospital and J.L. Hudson’s, downtown, as a gift wrapper. Lil was known for her love of dessert and baking skills. She could work miracles with Jell-O and her sweet potato pies were famous. She was the epitome of the word “servant” and lived her faith through her works. Lillie made her peaceful transition on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 6:49pm. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Anna Simmons, along with her siblings and their spouses: Anna Williams, Mary Ann McCoy, Priscilla Edwards, Judge Simmons, Luther Simmons, Leroy Simmons, Will Simmons, Fred Simmons and Loraine Andrews. She leaves to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy: Sons - Michael (Elicsia), Craig, Daryl (Kim) and Gregory (Zondra); Grandchildren – Wendy, Kirk (LuaTrina), Chelsea, Terrence, Trey, Micah, Samyia, Calvin, Shalece, Ashlie, Tiffany and Virgil P. (April); Great Grandchildren – Brandon (Holly), Indigo, Imani, Jonathan and, Michael; Great-Great Grandchildren – Grayson and Ivyri. A special niece, Naomi Dean, who looked up to “Lil Mae” as the big sister that always looked out for her and was there by her side and Frances Lewis who began as a co-worker and became a life-long friend, helping to care for “Brown” until the end. A host of nieces and nephews that she nurtured and other family: Frances Blanks, Jeanette Moss (daughters Yvonne and Yvette), Wilda Nance, Brenda Harper (son Derick), Juanita Snider, Harold Hayes and Lawrence Jackson. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11: 29-30