Annette R. Brownfield

Annette Rawlings Brownfield passed away on Wednesday, July 24th surrounded by her beloved family. Annette was born on October 20, 1936 in Hollywood, California. She grew up in Studio City/North Hollywood with her parents, Ouida S. and Richard M. Rawlings, and older brother, Richard M. Rawlings Jr.

Annette graduated from North Hollywood High School, where she was actively involved in Student Council and social activities. Annette, the first of her family to attend college, was a very proud UCLA Bruin. Annette joined Sigma Kappa Sorority making lifelong friends. In the summer of 1957, Annette visited a high school friend when she met the love of her life, William R. Brownfield. On July 12th, Annette and Bill had their first date and he made her laugh for the first of many times. Annette and Bill became engaged the following New Year’s Eve while waiting for the Rose Parade to begin. After Annette’s graduation with a BA in Business Administration, they were married in September 1958 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Following their wedding, Annette and Bill traveled to Santa Barbara for a quick honeymoon, then continued their drive to Eugene, Oregon where Bill attended the University of Oregon and earned his Bachelors of Architecture degree. During their four years in Eugene, Annette worked for the University’s Dean of Men while supporting Bill through school. In October 1960, Annette and Bill had their first child, Lisa. The young family continued to reside in Eugene but visited Los Angeles during summer and winter breaks. In June 1962, Annette, Bill, and Lisa returned to Los Angeles. They welcomed their second daughter, Stacey, in October 1962.

Annette spent many years devoted to raising her young family; in 1974 she decided to return to work focusing on special education student assessment. By 1980, Annette returned to her business administration roots working with a southern California financial investment firm until retirement.

Throughout her life, Annette was her family’s biggest supporter; she was active in her daughters’ PTAs and Girl Scout troops. She loved being a Grammy and could be seen at her granddaughter’s sports games, concerts, birthday parties, and special events. She instilled her lifelong love of the beach in her family through day trips and annual Southern California beach vacations.

Annette is survived by her two daughters, Lisa Brownfield and Stacey Brownfield, her son-in-law Mark Davidson, and two granddaughters, Caitlin Davidson and Jessica Davidson-Wendler (Ethan Wendler). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Annette’s honor to the Midnight Mission and the Surfrider Foundation.