It is with great sadness that the family of Lillie McCray Brown announces her passing at the age of 91 on Friday, March 5, 2021.

Lillie McCray Brown was born on October 8, 1928, in Frisco, Alabama, into the union of the late William and Elizabeth McCray. She was one of four children, two brothers and one sister. She was affectionately called "Sister".

Lillie was born and raised as a Christian and was brought up in the church. As an adult she did not stray from her early Christian teaching. She made it a habit to recite the 23rd Psalm often because it provided her with inspiration that she needed to get her through the day. Additionally, she continued her love and passion for singing. Those who knew her would often find her either singing or humming an old favorite spiritual, "Blessed Assurance ". She often spoke of her conscious decision to follow the "Golden Rule" and pray each day.

Her early educational experiences were spent at a boarding school, which was a rare opportunity for blacks in the south during this time. After graduating from high school, she enrolled in Alabama State College in Montgomery, Alabama. As a college student, Lillie caught the eye of a young Air Force Airman, Fred Brown, while he was home on a leave to visit his parents. They were soon engaged and were married on June 15, 1951 in Montgomery, Alabama. To this union, three daughters were born. Sherron Brown Konecki, Micherlyn S. Brown and Natasha Lawanda Brown Gates. Fred and Lillie were married for fifty-two years until his death in 2003.

Since Fred was in the military, they spent many years living in different parts of the United States and Europe. One of her favorite tours outside of the United States was the time the family spent in Germany. While on tour in Germany she met many people of whom she forged lifelong friendships.

After their tour in Germany, Fred was assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota. While in South Dakota, Fred had a short military duty assignment which he was committed to serve for a year. During this time, Lillie pursued her undergraduate degree at Black Hills State University, she then earned a master's degree in Education from South Dakota State University in 1971.

She worked in the Douglas School System as a teacher and counselor for twenty-eight years until her retirement. During this time Lillie touched and enriched the lives of hundreds of students from all walks of life. She enjoyed her profession (teaching) because as she stated it brought her to the core of understanding the needs of her students. She was a role model in both dress and character. She just seemed to have it all when it came to teacher/pupil relationships, as well as community relationships. One could say that this is the reason Douglas reached out to her to be the counselor in the middle school. She was tough but with love. Kids knew that "Mrs. Brown loved them" and therefore they returned it. There was always a genuine smile on her face. Her words were soft spoken with an attitude of love, empathy and understanding of others. Lillie had many hobbies. Her favorite ones were reading, crocheting baby blankets and quilts, cooking, sewing, traveling, and shopping at antique and secondhand stores, buying china and crystal.

Because of her love for reading, she joined a book club where she and other members of the club would share their readings at different times. This further broadened her knowledge and brought joy to both she and her friends.

"Lillie" departed this life well-lived, with her hand in God's at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital on, March 5, 2021.     Preceding her in death were her parents, William, and Elizabeth McCray, her one sister, two brothers and her husband, Fred Douglas Brown.

Lillie is survived by her daughters, Sherron Brown Konecki, (Richard Konecki) Micherlyn Sharlean Brown and Natasha Brown Gates, grandchildren: Kashena Jade Konecki, Jekara Rose Konecki, Derrell Navarre Russ, (Marina), Lillie La-Wanda Marie Russ and eight great grandchildren.

Beautiful memories are also shared by a host of relatives, many special friends, and a legion of former students.

Lillie will live eternally in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.