Carless Brownlee, of Rockford departed this earthly life  April 24, 2026. She was born March 10, 1943 in Cruger, MS the daughter of James Sr. and Reola Clay. Carless lived in Rockford  since the early 1970's coming from Cruger, Mississippi and lived over 20 years in Alton, IL.  She married Robert Brownlee Jr., he preceded her in death. Carless attended school in Mississippi.

Carless leaves to cherish many loving memories,  two sons, Bobby (Nakia) Brownlee and Billy Joe Brownlee; Four daughters, Rena Burks, Benney Brownlee, Joeann Brownlee and Nicole Boyle; 22 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren; sisters, Shirley Jean Brownlow, Dorthy Williams, Aserlean Jordan and Leona Johnson; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, parents Reola Johnson and James Clay Sr., sisters Laverne Walker and Betty McKinley and brothers James Clay Jr. and King Solomon Johnson; and son in law Roscoe C. Burks Jr.,

Services will be held  1:00 p.m.  Friday, May 1, 2026 at Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc. 200 N. Johnston Ave. Visitation 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial in Willwood Burial Park.