Mary Mageline Buckley Brownlee

On November 9, 1928, Eli “Craig” and Rosie Booker Buckley welcomed the birth of paternal twins a boy and a girl. They named the girl Mary Mageline. Early on her parents knew that she would grow up to be fun loving, caring and kind. Mary accepted Christ at a tender age and united with the Shady Grove AME Church in the Shady Grove Community.  She joined Gennesaret Missionary Baptist Church and served faithfully until her health declined. She served in a number of church auxiliaries. She served with the kitchen committee, and as a member of the usher board. Mary lived her life by the teaching of her parents; a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.   Following an appropriate period of courtship she married her sweetheart, the handsome James Willis Brownlee. The Lord added to their union a handsome son, John Wesley. She along with James made many sacrifices to support him and shower him with love.    Mary was known to “tell it like it is” and was respected by many for her straight forward opinion. She  was a self proclaimed “fashionista” having a personal style like none other. She was most known for her collection of wigs with various styles, lengths and colors. To know her was to love her.    Mary was a long time employee of the Clark County Hospital. She was a  foster grandparent with the Ouachita Baptist University foster grandparent program.  She possessed a strong work ethic and after the death of James, she was determined to live an independent life.   One of her greatest joys was traveling and spending memorable moments with relatives and friends, both young and old. Mary was a true friend who preached kindness, respect of self and others. Her legacy of family togetherness and hospitality will live on in the hearts of her loved ones and friends.   Mary’s courageous battle came to an end on Thursday, February 7, 2013. She surrendered her soul from labor to reward. She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, James W. Brownlee; her only son, John Brownlee; her siblings Q.B., Marie, Mack, Lucille, Earl, James, Peter, Joe, Ollie, Eli, Ernest, Lidge and Roland.   Mary’s spirit of love and laughter will live forever in the hearts of her sister, Alberta Jefferson of Lansing, Michigan; her step-daughter, Brenda Hanks of Oakland, CA. She also leaves a caravan of nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. Public visitation will be Sunday, February 10th from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The committal service will be held on Monday, February 11th at Shady Grove Cemetery.  CLICK TRIBUTELINK ABOVE TO WATCH TRIBUTE