Willie Maxine Lee

December 25, 1924 - April 28, 2014

Willie Maxine Brown Lee, 89, passed peacefully into the presence of God on April 28, 2014. She was born in Redlands, California, on December 25, 1924, to Nannie Mae Self and James Archie Brown. The oldest of four children, she learned early to care for others and lead with wisdom and kindness. She attended George Washington High School in Los Angeles, distinguishing herself as salutatorian. She was honored as an outstanding citizen and student by selection to the prestigious Ephebian Society of Los Angeles. She attended business school in LA and participated in many musical theater productions in the region. In 1945 she married Lawrence (Larry) Lee, and together they made the decision to live and raise their family in Arizona, living in Flagstaff for nine years, and then moving to Window Rock, on the Navajo Indian Reservation, where Larry taught high school and Willie taught piano lessons, Bible studies, and hosted a radio show. She and Larry moved to Prescott in 1972 and enjoyed the remainder of their 61 years of marriage exploring the state they loved, ministering in the church they loved, and enjoying each other fully. Theirs was a storybook marriage. Together they raised three daughters and pursued a life of faith and service. Willie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry, and her brother James Brown. She is survived by sister Claudia Pierson and brother Claude Ray Brown; also survived by her daughters Susan (Randy) Powell, Jan (Ken) Winebrenner, Paula (John) Mahon; grandchildren Kimberly Beck, Erin Pietsch, John Mahon, Mike Mahon, Matt Winebrenner and Molly Ansley; sixteen great-grandchildren. The family wishes to say thank you for the kind and gentle care extended by the Willow Wind Staff and Hospice Family Care. A memorial celebration of Willie’s life will be held May 28, 2014, at 2 pm, at Prescott First Baptist Church. Donations in her memory may be made to: International Teams in support of the ministry of Michelle Crotts in Honduras. International Teams 411 W. River Road Elgin, IL 60123 Or on-line at: www.iteams.org/us/give or to the charity of your choice.