Beverly Jean Brownlee

Beverly Brownlee began life in St. Louis, MO, the youngest of 5 children, 3 girls and 2 boys. At the age of 3 months, her mother died of tuberculosis. Beverly was raised by a great aunt and her husband who had a son and always wanted a little girl. Beverly was outgoing, volunteered in many projects, politically minded and active in church. Beverly married Eddie Smith and from that union they had a son Derrick Andre Smith.

Beverly was introduced to Kenneth Brownlee by her cousin. Kenneth was in the Marine Corp stationed in California. Beverly worked various jobs for several years while dating Kenneth then they married and she joined him in Los Angeles, CA where she lived for the next 35 years. They had 2 sons together. Their first son Vincent died at the age of 6 months. They later had another son Derrall Wayne Brownlee. They lived a normal life with their 2 sons, involved in various activities, mostly sports, church, camping and spending time at the beach. Beverly was involved in various volunteer projects. Kenneth had several remote tours during this time, so Beverly began night school to complete her high school diploma. She then enrolled in Jr. College and got a job with Hughes Aircraft Co.

She began her career with Hughes as an Electronic Assembler. She attended UCLA and received a certificate in Purchasing Management. She went on to college, receiving a bachelor’s degree from University of La Verne. Beverly set a goal to climb the corporate ladder as she saw the financial potential for herself. Beverly went on to hold various positions which included Subcontract Administrator, Systems Engineering and Operation Division and Buyer at Hughes Aircraft where she retired from after 23 years of employment. She enjoyed her job as a Buyer because she interfaced with a lot of different and interesting people.

Following her mom’s examples, Beverly was involved in a lot of volunteer work with various organizations. This included Eastern Star, President Of the Block Club, Secretary for the Police Advisory Board of Los Angeles Hughes Professional Form, Small Business Administration, Lou Rawls Parade telethon, and Youth Motivation Task Force to name a few. Beverly was also a cancer survivor.

Some of the other joys of Beverly’s life included RV camping, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She relocated to Las Vegas in 1997. Beverly eventually relocated back to California and lived in Riverside, CA until her passing. Preceding her in death is eldest sons Derrick Andre Smith and Vincent Brownlee and spouse Kenneth Brownlee. Beverly’s wishes are to have her ashes spread at sea joining her husband, Kenneth.

Beverly is survived by her son, Derrall Wayne Brownlee Sr., daughter-in-law Cynthia Lynn Brownlee, grandsons Leondez Maurice Smith, Derrall Wayne Brownlee Jr., Kenneth Andre Lamar Brownlee, Christopher Ned Ryan Brownlee, great grandson Jaden King Brownlee, and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, friends, and best friend Coco Brownlee.

Soon to come will be a virtual invitation to the celebration of life which will be held at Fairmont Park in Riverside, CA, on July 29, 2023 from 12pm-4pm.