BROWNLEE Wyatt China b. Hodges, South Carolina
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BROWNLEE Wyatt China b. Hodges, South Carolina
Died May 28, 2009 age 102
Judge Wyatt C. Brownlee.
Born in Hodges, South Carolina, one of 11 children
born to James and Elizabeth Brownlee, Judge
Brownlee is the last living sibling of the family
which migrated to Cleveland, Ohio in 1921. His life
has been an example of the power of courageous determination and faith in God.
Judge Brownlee attended Cleveland, Ohio Public
Schools, but was forced to drop out of
Kennard Junior High School to help support
his family. Because of his desire for an education, he attended night school, part time,
until he received his high school diploma.
His quest for knowledge continued and he graduated from: ‘‘FDR’’ Junior College in 1936;
Fenn College (Cleveland State University) in
1940; and Cleveland Marshall Law School.
During his distinguished legal career he
served as an Ohio Assistant Attorney General;
Cleveland City Prosecutor and acting City Law
Director. In 1957 he was appointed Cleveland
Municipal Court Referee, and in 1977 he was
appointed Cleveland Municipal Court Judge,
where he served until his 1981 retirement.
Judge Brownlee continued private practice after
retirement.
Judge Brownlee has been involved in his
community and has been recognized in
‘‘Who’s Who in the National Bar Association,’’
‘‘Who’s Who in American Law,’’ and he has
been honored by Black Lawyers and Black
Judges. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma
Fraternity, Inc., Prince Hall Masonic Organization,
and is a lifetime member of the Cleveland
Marshall Alumni Association.
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Congressional record
Submitted: Stephanie Tubbs Jones
Judge Wyatt C. Brownlee.
Born in Hodges, South Carolina, one of 11 children
born to James and Elizabeth Brownlee, Judge
Brownlee is the last living sibling of the family
which migrated to Cleveland, Ohio in 1921. His life
has been an example of the power of courageous determination and faith in God.
Judge Brownlee attended Cleveland, Ohio Public
Schools, but was forced to drop out of
Kennard Junior High School to help support
his family. Because of his desire for an education, he attended night school, part time,
until he received his high school diploma.
His quest for knowledge continued and he graduated from: ‘‘FDR’’ Junior College in 1936;
Fenn College (Cleveland State University) in
1940; and Cleveland Marshall Law School.
During his distinguished legal career he
served as an Ohio Assistant Attorney General;
Cleveland City Prosecutor and acting City Law
Director. In 1957 he was appointed Cleveland
Municipal Court Referee, and in 1977 he was
appointed Cleveland Municipal Court Judge,
where he served until his 1981 retirement.
Judge Brownlee continued private practice after
retirement.
Judge Brownlee has been involved in his
community and has been recognized in
‘‘Who’s Who in the National Bar Association,’’
‘‘Who’s Who in American Law,’’ and he has
been honored by Black Lawyers and Black
Judges. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma
Fraternity, Inc., Prince Hall Masonic Organization,
and is a lifetime member of the Cleveland
Marshall Alumni Association.
Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Congressional record
Submitted: Stephanie Tubbs Jones