Service Details
Homegoing Celebration for Joe will be held on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 11:00 am in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Bro. Dwight Brownlee officiating. Interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. A luncheon will follow at Infusino’s Banquet Hall. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and on Wednesday from 10-11 am. You may witness the service via livestream on Wednesday by clicking on the link located in Joe’s obituary on the funeral home website on Wednesday at 11:00 am.
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Racine – Joe Edward Brownlee, age 85, passed away peacefully at Lutheran Home – AccentCare Hospice in Wauwatosa on Saturday, November 26, 2022.
Joe was born in New Albany, MS on August 17, 1937 to the late Rush and Mary (nee: Bradley) Brownlee. He was a graduate of The Union County Training School which is now known as B. F. Hunt High School. On December 1, 1962, Joe was united in marriage with the love of his life, Hattie B. Brownlee.
Joe retired from SC Johnson Wax after 40 years of service. In retirement, Joe worked as an associate for Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. With Christ as the center of Joe’s life, he was a longtime, devoted member of Midtown Church of Christ since 1962 where he was actively involved with several committees, leadership roles and sang in the choir. Amongst his other interests, Joe enjoyed reading, swimming, yardwork and had a true gift to socialize. Above all, Joe & Hattie were all about their family. They were their everything!
Surviving his daughters, Loretta Henderson and Sonji Tye; adored grandchildren, Andrew Tye, Dominic Brownlee, Amber Tye, Ashley (Joshua) Melius, Racquel Henderson, Riana Henderson and Rashaad Henderson; great-grandchildren, Adonis Moeller and Harrison Melius; sister, Era Louise Barker; brothers, Willie Ed (Etta Mae) Brownlee and Lonnie (Marie) Brownlee; sisters-in-law, Laura Mae Figgs and Mattie B. Andrews; brother-in-law, Martin (Jacqueline) Andrews; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives, his church family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Hattie (passed away on October 5, 2021); their beloved son, Rodney Brownlee; sister, Mattie (Eddie) Golden; Hattie’s parents, Jack & Magnolia (nee: Lucas) Andrews; sisters-in-law, Janella Hollis and Lizzie (Lee) Thomas; and brother-in-law, Jack “Sonny” Andrews.
Homegoing Celebration for Joe will be held on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 11:00 am in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Bro. Dwight Brownlee officiating. Interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. A luncheon will follow at Infusino’s Banquet Hall. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and on Wednesday from 10-11 am. You may witness the service via livestream on Wednesday by clicking on the link located in Joe’s obituary on the funeral home website on Wednesday at 11:00 am.
A heartfelt note of thanks to the wonderful staff of Moments Hospice, AccentCare Hospice, and Lutheran Home in Wauwatosa for all you have done for Joe and his family during their time of need. May God bless all of you!
Wendy Lail says
Sending love, thoughts, and prayers to you and your family during this tough time.
The Cark Family. says
Our condolences to the Brownly family. May the lord continue to bless the family during this time of sorrow. In jesus name.🙏🏼
James and Angela Bush - Nashville TN says
We extend our deepest condolences. Bro Joe was very special to our family. Lots of fond memories of this kind spirited man. It was a true blessing to know him and Sis. Hattie. Our prayers are with your family at this difficult time. We love you.
Linda ivy says
My condolences to your family, Loretta and Sonja, my prayers for your healing hearts of sorrow. Linda (Hinton) Ivy
Glenda Bell says
Sorry to hear about bro Joe ur all the family in my prayers I had just last Sunday sended the one daughter a message from FB praying for the brownlee family
Dr. Charles C Jones says
Words can not express how much Joe and Hattie meant to me. I enjoyed my time of working with him at SCJ until he retired. Joe “Mr Brownlee” taught me a lot of things I always loved his words of wisdom and words of encouragement. You will be deeply missed. Love Charles And yes the young is safe!
Michelle Williams and family, Brooklyn Park, MN. says
Was a wonderful kind loving man. I always looked up to him.My condolences to the family. My prayers are with you.
Scott L Kirby &. The Kirby Family says
Our deepest sympathy, to the Brownlee Family.🙏
Kenesha and Kyleigh Sweezer says
Uncle Joe you will be missed, we loved coming to visit you in summer and fall. We also loved seeing you every year when you would come to New Albany’s BF Ford school reunion! You will never be forgotten! Love and RIP! Kenesha and Kyleigh
Anonymous says
Bro Brownlee you completed your Journal here on earth you were a good soldiers you fought the good fight and kept the faith you are our brother in christ we spent many good years at midtown church you were a special servant for the Lord always had a kind word alway ready to be of service to the Lord you were a good example to my family my children looked us to you may you rest in peace and your home in heaven awaits for you our prayers go up to your family peace to all of you from Greg and Linda Coleman and family in Mn
Twyla Clark says
So sorry to have lost such a wonderful person. Bro Joe was very kind and was loved by all who knew him. My deepest condolences and sincere prayers go out to the family and friends!!
Corey Curtis says
Mr. Brownlee you always told me stories about hunting with my Dad. I was always welcome at your home when Rodney and I would toy around with cars or shoot hoops. Great Man to say the least…Class beyond measure Thank you for your Kindness
Bobbie Reynolds and Beverly Golden-Reynolds says
Condolences and prayers go out to the family..Joe was a good friend of our family and very special to my dad the late David Golden. Growing up he was always at our house every 2 weeks for a haircut.. Truly a wonderful man. RIPIH Joe..
Reverend David R. Green/Gregg Chapel says
Joe and Hattie were both great people who were not ashamed to let you know they were children of God. Joe and Hattie both had a nice calm demeanor and upon encountering them at work at SCJ or in the community. May Joe rest in the peace of God.
Larry Vance says
I met Joe on my first day at work at SCJ. Joe was my trainer for the first week and he was very thorough. Johnson Wax was a better place because of Joe and we stayed friends for many decades. I always admired his cool and calm demeanor, Joe had an exceptional gift of helping those who needed it. There is a new star in the heavens now and Joe’s is one of the brightest. Godspeed my friend.
J Shuntay Andrews Amaker says
condolences to my cousins loretta, sonia, their children and the family.
from cousin Jackee in Chicago, IL
Will and LeLar Beadles says
So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing, He was a friend of our family for many years. Always friendly and pleasant to be around.
Denise Freeman says
Loretta and Sonji,
Mr. Brownlee was so kind. He was always a joy to talk to. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you during this difficult time and always.
Demetrius Powell says
Really sorry about the loss of joe he gonna. Be missed may he RIP
Candace (Ingram) Tate says
I offer my sincerest condolences and prayers for comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Tamika Esho says
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Bro. Joe Brownlee. May he rest in peace 🕊️