November 22, 1940~April 18, 2026

Mr. Frankie Lee “Yank” Brown

A Time to Be Born, A Time to Die – From Grace to Glory

Time to be Born. Frankie Lee was born on November 22, 1940, in Gadsden County, Florida, to Anderson Brown and Margaret Adel Smith. His life was forever changed on March 24, 1944, when his brother, Jerry Lee Brown, joined the family. Together, Frankie and Jerry shared an inseparable bond, living as “two peas in a pod” throughout their lives.

Time to Live and Grow. Affectionately known as “Yank,” Frankie Lee enjoyed his childhood in the Bonny Hill-Chattahoochee communities, where he was nurtured by his cherished “Mama,” Grandma Estelle Smith. Their family home was a place of warmth and joy, filled with lively gatherings and loving relationships. He shared memorable times with Mama Dell, his brother Jerry, three aunts—Jeanette, Delia, and Leila—and cousins Juanita, Betty, Robert Jean, Patsy, and Edwina. Life on McMillian Road brought “good times” with cousins from the Doyles, McWhites, and McMillians families. In Tampa, he was surrounded by first cousins Leatricia (Puncey), Earliest (Brother), Maggie, Norma, and Michele Williams, further enriching his life with family connections.

Time to Connect with Church, School, and Career. As a child, Frankie Lee was baptized at Elizabeth AME Church in Bonny Hill. He actively participated in church services and programs, often singing in sessions led by his mother’s angelic voice and accompanied by his cousins. Frankie was faithful in prayer and developed a deep love for Jesus Christ as his Personal Savior. His educational journey led him through Gadsden County Public Schools, culminating in graduation from Carter-Paramore Senior High School, where he earned honors in drafting. Frankie joined his brother Jerry at Cone Brothers Construction Company, becoming a skilled asphalt specialist and paving highways throughout Tampa Bay. Later, when he moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, Frankie drove delivery trucks for the Anheuser-Busch Company, joined the Winn Dixie Service Team, and eventually retired as an independent transportation service provider.

Time to Connect in Marriage and Building a Family. Frankie Lee married Inell Borders of Jackson County, Florida, and their union produced three children: Cassandra, Deborah A. Brown (deceased), and Frankie Lee Brown. He later relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he married Wilhelmina M. Brown; their marriage endured for 40 years until her passing due to health complications. Following the flood and subsequent return to Tampa, he formed a close relationship with Fannie Dee Sheard-Hannah, which continued until her death in 2024.

Time to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. Frankie Lee consistently sought to act justly, demonstrate compassion, and conduct himself with humility. He stayed positive through difficulties, upheld dignity, and valued thoughtful discussions. He enjoyed quality suits and accessories, often wore stylish hats; loved having smiles and laughter with his longtime devoted friend, David Earl Walker, and car mechanics named Doug and Willie. Frankie Lee remained faithful to His Lord, believing he would one day reunite with his cherished loved ones who preceded him in death. On Saturday, April 18, 2026, Frankie Lee heard the voice of God whisper his name and answered His call.

Frankie Lee “Yank” Brown, was preceded in death by his parents Anderson and Margaret Adel Brown; brother Jerry Lee Brown; wife Wilhelmina M. Brown; daughter Deborah A. Brown; adopted son Kevin Brown; grandmother Estelle Smith; aunts Jeanette Welch, Delia Smith, and Leila S. Williams; first cousins Betty Smith, Edwina Weatherspoon and Earliest Williams; nephew Michael “Big Money Lou” Brown; special friends Fannie Dee Sheard-Hannah and Inell Borders-Lewis. He is also survived by extended family including the Doyles, McMillians, McWhites, Lesters, and Browns.

Frankie Lee is remembered fondly by his children, Frankie Brown and Cassandra (Timothy Walker); grandchildren Henry Brown, Shaunecy Moore, Kenyatta Brown, Paige Fryburs-Stewart, Rolisha Brown, and Octavia Showers; several great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, first cousins; longtime friend David Earl Walker; car mechanic friends Doug and Willie; as well as other relatives, friends, and former co-workers.