Sammie Lee "Brown" Brownlee, of Rockford departed this earthly life April 11, 2025. He was born March 7, 1950 in Eupora, Mississippi the son of Estella Burt and Theodore Brownlee. Sammie lived in Rockford since 1976 coming from Durant, MS. He was employed as a welder by Gunite Foundry over 18 years in Rockford, IL and Elkhart, Indiana before retiring. Sammie was a Veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Durant. Sammie graduated from Durant Attendance Center.

Sammie leaves to cherish many memories, two daughters Essie (Kent) Boyd and Tiffany Ingram; son, Jermaine Watson; two grandchildren, Kennede Boyd and Antonio Wash; four great grandchildren; sister, Catherine Brown; brother, Robert Earl (Ruby) Williams; two nieces, Dornetha Rachell (Charlie) Ward and Carolyn (Torain) Kelley; a host of other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his two sons, and his parents.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday April 22, 2025 at Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc. 200 N. Johnston Ave. Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial in Abraham National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.