Carolyn Lee Bates Brown

Mrs. Carolyn Lee Bates Brown, 82 of Charlotte, NC passed away Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Huntersville Oaks Nursing & Rehab. Center in Huntersville, NC. Public viewing for family and friends will take place on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 from 2:00 pm until 4:00pm at Long & Son Mortuary Chapel. Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, November 19, 2020 at Charlotte Memorial Gardens Hood Rd. in Charlotte, NC 28215 at 1:00 pm.

Mrs. Carolyn Lee Brown was born April 8, 1938 in Mint Hill, North Carolina. She began her heavenly rest on October 24, 2020. Carolyn was the youngest of six children born to the late William and Leona Bates. She graduated from J. H. Gunn High School. Carolyn met the love of her life, Joseph DeForest Brown, Sr. at J.H. Gunn. Carolyn and Joseph were married on August 8, 1954. Their love and commitment endured for 37 years until his death in 1991. Carolyn and Joseph worked hard to create a loving home for their five children.

Carolyn went back to school and received her LPN license from Central Piedmont College when her youngest child was three years old. She was a dedicated employee of Charlotte Memorial Hospital for 29 years of service. Carolyn loved being a nurse and she took pride in her appearance. Each day she was dressed in a crisp white uniform and spotless polished shoes. Carolyn gained the name of Doc Brown among family and friends because they would ask her to interpret their doctors’ orders and medical issues. She, being the intelligent professional that she was, provided excellent consultations.

Carolyn had an enormous heart and would do everything she could to help others. She never met a stranger and always greeted you with a warm “hello” and beautiful smile. The help she provided was genuine from her loving heart and not for accolades. She was very organized and made motherhood look easy. Carolyn had a husband and five children, worked full-time, was never delayed, and was always on time. Her motto was “why be on time, when you can be early.” She was an excellent cook and loved doing so. The occasions were few for you to visit her and there wasn’t a delicious pound cake on the kitchen table.

Carolyn was an avid reader. She was an early riser and read her scripture daily to start the day. She was a God-Fearing Christian, and awesome prayer warrior that loved to pray. Like her father William, she wrote in her journal daily. The entries in her journal consisted of an abundance of prayers.

Carolyn was smart, funny, a good listener and very opinionated. We all received a lecture knowing she would still help us in any way she could. Family and friends of all ages enjoyed calling and talking with her. She was a phenomenal mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to all.

Carolyn was a faithful member of St. Paul Presbyterian Church and worked diligently on church activities for over fifty years. She was proud to be the Mother of the Church and she embraced her role with honor. Carolyn was an Honorary Past Matron of the Christian Workers Chapter 301 Order of the Eastern Star Prince Hall Affiliated.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph DeForest Brown, Sr., son Darrell Maurice Brown, brothers Alphonzo Bates and Oscar Bates, sister Edwina Davis. She leaves to cherish her fond memories sons; Joseph DeForest Brown, Jr., Asheville, N.C. Robert Norris Brown (Pandora), Charlotte, N.C. and daughters Pamela Brown Hudson, Charlotte, N.C., Sharon Brown Amerson (Greg), Daniel Island, S.C. and sister, Joyce Colene Bates Guin, Charlotte, N.C. grandchildren: LaVonne Brown (Tony), Tiffany Mason (ReShauda), Andrea Rice (L’erin), Michael Brown, Pandreece Baker, Christina Brown, Joseph DeForest Brown, III, Asia Amerson; great grandchildren: Cam’Ron Sorey, Deontray McKnight, Nyla Alexander, Thalia Sanders, A’zharie Rice, London Baker and Milan Johnson; special daughters-in-law, Debra Brown and Cathy Brown, nieces: Bebra Guin Evans (Skip), Olga Guin; nephews: Carmey Guin, Vernon Guin, Nathaniel Davis, Bernard Davis, Otis Bates and Robert Bates; long life neighbors: Julia Abernathy, Denise Wilson and Iatha Houston; special friends, Vivian Granger, Annette Gillespie, Gwen Blackmon, John Wallace and George Morrison and a host of other relatives, church family and friends.

Carolyn Lee Brown was a good and faithful servant with a great sense of humor, extreme wisdom and strong faith. Take your rest Doc Brown, we know where you are!