Mrs. Goldie Lee (Lawshe) Brown

May 2, 1928 - March 30, 2020

Mrs. Goldie Lee (Lawshe) Brown, 91, of Peoria, IL transitioned from this life to her heavenly home at 5:09 pm on Monday, March 30, 2020 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. Goldie was born on May 2, 1928 in Memphis, TN to Henry and Bessie (Long) Lawshe. Goldie received her early education in Memphis, TN. Goldie was passionate about education. She proudly earned her Associates Degree and became a Mental Health Technician. She worked at the Manteno Mental Hospital for many years. Goldie married the love of her life, Deacon Archie D. Brown on November 8, 1958, sharing 61 years of marriage. She and her family resided in Kankakee County, IL for many years. While in Kankakee County, she was a Civil Rights activist. She partnered with Rev. Jessie Jackson and Operation Push to fight racial inequality at St. Ann Community High School and Pembroke Jr. High School. She was a former member of the St. Ann Community High School Board of Education. She was an active member of Philadelphia Baptist Church of Milwaukee, WI, Friendship Baptist Church, Grace Baptist Church and Victory Baptist Church all of Peoria, IL; during which time she was a Sunday school teacher, usher, member of the Mothers Board and the United Usher Board. Goldie leaves to cherish her most precious memories her loving and devoted husband, Archie Brown of Peoria, IL; six sons, the Rev. Laymond (Gail) Bolden of Peoria, IL, the Rev. Edward (Rose) Bolden of Milwaukee, WI, the Rev. Michael (Carmen) Bolden of Peoria, IL, Richard Brown of Malvern, AR, Leonard Brown of Chicago, IL and the Rev. Charles “Chuck” (Alice) Brown of Peoria, IL; two daughters, Kathryn (the Rev. Barry) Robinson and Linda Davies Brown both of Peoria, IL; a host of grand, great, and great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Alan Bolden and Herman Brown; three brothers, Charles Lawshe, James Lawshe and Louis Lawshe and two sisters, Leora Williams and Willie Bell Boyce. A Private Funeral service will be held. Goldie’s son, Pastor Chuck Brown will bring words of comfort. Goldie will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.