Lester Mae Brown

Lester Mae Brown passed into the loving arms of Jesus on January 15th, 2013. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert and daughters, Shirley Booth and Lillian High She leaves behind to mourn her passing, two daughters, Joan Kennedy and Barbara Thompson and a son, Robert Brown, Jr. Mrs. Brown was rich in family with 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grand children and 8 great-great grand children. Also mourning her loss are a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Lester Mae Brown was born January 3, 1912 to Ethel Mae and George Whitson. She grew up in the south, and was the daughter of a farming family. She lived on the farm until she was 16. At age 13, her mom died and that left Lester Mae to help care for her younger siblings.

In 1926, Lester Mae Brown moved to Springfield Mass, where she graduated from High School. She wanted to continue her education and become a nurse. Unable to achieve that dream, she moved to Rye in 1933 with an Aunt to seek employment as a domestic worker.

Within a short time, she met Robert Brown Sr. and settled down to family life with the first of their five children. This was the beginning of Lester Mae’s life long career of leadership both in her home and in the community. Lester Mae seemed to always have room for children, she was a foster parent for many years. She always wanted to help a child have better.

She has served on many organizations throughout her life including; League of Women Voters, The Carver Center in Port Chester, The Port-Chester/Rye Chapters of American Association of Retired Persons. In 1941 she was part of a group who organized and founded the local chapter of The National Advancement of Colored People, Human Rights Commission, The Port-Chester United Church for Women, Rye Senior Citizens and extensive volunteering with Rye Schools, and many other organizations.

In the 80’s the Rye Commission on Human Rights chose her as the recipient of the Human Rights award, recognizing her lifetime of involvement with several organizations and her many contributions to the community.

Today we are grateful to celebrate the life of Mrs. Lester Mae Brown and all of her accomplishments. You have made a very positive impact on all of your family and friends, and your memory will live on in each of our lives forever!