Alfred Bernard Brownlee

Alfred B. Brownlee was born at home on October 11, 1950, in Jefferson, Georgia. He departed this earthly life on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Grey Stone Health and Rehabilitation Center after a courageous battle with various health issues over the past few years.

PeeWee, as he was called by many, was the oldest son of Rev. Johnson and Rowena (Aker) Brownlee.

He completed his high school education at Central High School and later received an associate degree from IVY Tech College.

He was a member of St. John C.M.E Church since 1959 when his family moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana.

PeeWee’s working career consisted of roles as a factory worker, youth mentor, and service as funeral service assistant. Alfred was also an entrepreneur. He turned his enjoyment of the outdoors into a lawn-cutting and landscaping business. He was always willing to attempt to fix something, whether it was fixable or not.

Al’s pastimes were travel, especially visiting relatives in Georgia and Ohio, fishing, “watching the game” with his buddies, and spending time with his family, lodge brothers, and old friends.

He was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Lodge #14 for more than 49 years. He was also a former member of Fort Consistory #66 and the Saudi Temple #50. In a regal ceremony on December 21, 2024, members of St. Mary’s Lodge #14 accorded him full Masonic funeral rites.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Johnson and Rowena Jean Brownlee, and a very special cousin, Juanita Ellis, whom he considered his second mother.

His sisters, Carol (Tom) Butler, Faye Brownlee, and Amanda Brownlee, and his brother, Joseph Brownlee survive. Jerrell Ward, godson, and Mylisa Kelly, his niece, enjoyed a special relationship with Al. He was also fortunate to maintain life-long friendships with Duane “Tweedy” Stevenson, Sr., Marsha Smiley, Norvis Thompson, and Robert, Steve, and Dennis Ervin.

A visitation for Alfred will be held Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Foster Park, 6301 Fairfield Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46807, followed by a celebration of life memorial service starting at 1:00 pm.