Gladys Minyon Brown Lee

For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down, we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2 Corinthians 5:1

Gladys Minyon Brown Lee, 98, was called to her eternal home peacefully, early Monday, June 30, 2014. This longtime resident of Frederick was born on May 11, 1916. She was the second of four children born to Huldah and Henry J. Brown, Sr. Her husband, John William "Bill" Lee, preceded her in death along with her three siblings, Henry J. Brown Jr., Charles E. Brown, and Myrteal Brown.

Gladys was a graduate of Lincoln High School and further attended Cosmetology School in Baltimore, MD. Both Gladys and Bill were early trailblazers of African American entrepreneurs in the Frederick community. Gladys was the owner and operator of Lee's Beauty Salon for numerous years and Bill was the dapper, successful owner of Lee's Men's Clothing Store. They were both known for their impeccable style for fashion. Gladys was one of the founding members of the Negro Professional and Business Women in the Frederick, MD.

Everyone who knew her knew golf was her passion. Gladys was well known in many areas as The Lady Golfer. She was breaking the color barrier in the field of golf and did not know it. The County Globe, a once published African-American newspaper, called her "the female Tiger Woods." She had many accomplishments in her golf world, including a hole in one at the Beaver Creek Golf Course in Hagerstown, MD. and another hole in one at the Eaglehead Golf Course in New Market, MD. She co-organized the Eagle Ladies League in 1977. Gladys was recognized as the Clustered Spires' Most Amazing Woman Golfer of 2008 and the Clustered Spires' Best Putter in 2005.

She was a devoted and faithful member of Asbury United Methodist Church where she served on many church committees over the years including: Communion Steward, member of the Golden Connection, and The African American Resource Cultural and Heritage (AARCH) Society. Gladys was an active member of the Queen Esther Chapter #2 of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall affiliation.

She leaves to cherish her memory: four nephews, Henry "Sandy" Brown III (Catherine), Ronald T. Brown (Sandra), Wayne L. Brown (Isabella), and Charles "Chazz" Brown (Aneldia); one niece, Charlene "Penny" Ivy (Melvin); and a host of relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers please make acknowledgements to Asbury United Methodist Church Redevelopment Trust, Inc. or Henry J. Brown III, 597 Over Ridge Drive, Frederick, MD. 21703.

A public viewing will be held on July 7, 2014, from 9 - 10 a.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church, 101 W. All Saints St., Frederick, MD 21701. The family will start receiving friends at 10 a.m. with special services from the Negro Business and Professional Women and Eastern Star between 10 and 11 a.m. The funeral service will begin immediately after at 11a.m. Rev. LaDelle Brooks, officiating.