Leatha Brown Rowley

Leatha (Lee) Vivian Brown Rowley was born in Ocilla, Georgia on March 23. 1944. She was the first-born child of Andrew Jackson Brown, Sr. and Viola Edith James Brown and the only one of their eight children to be born in Georgia. Andrew was a WWII Veteran and once he was discharged, participated in the Great Migration and moved his young family to Newark, New Jersey. The amazing Viola had been a schoolteacher in Georgia, but became a full-time homemaker as the family grew. Being the oldest and only girl, Andrew Jr., and William (Champ), Joseph came into the picture, Lee was her Mom’s right hand when it came to taking care of her siblings and doing her share of chores. But that did not keep her from the love of reading and learning. The family moved to the “suburbs” of Vaux Hall as Gwendolyn (Jackie), Julia (Mae), James (Eddie) and Richard (HeyBoy) arrived. Lee graduated from Union High School, went to work for Prudential Insurance, married Coleridge Wiggins and along came Stacey. An opportunity arose and Lee began her career as a librarian, working at the Vaux Hall, Union and Plainfield library systems. After a quick visit to Columbia, S.C. in 1969, Lee made a decision that would change the course of her life. She became a part of the Reverse Migration and moved to Columbia, with Stacey in tow. She saw future opportunities and a chance for something better. She was right. She went to work for Bell South, quickly rose as one of the first Black Supervisors and because of her outstanding work, was recruited to work in Atlanta, GA during the AT&T divestiture in the early 1980’s. The family officially moved to Atlanta in 1984 and Lee became a Trainer, traveling across the country, sharing her knowledge within the AT&T system over the next 30 years and making many lasting friendships along the way. In 1987, on a whim, she joined a dating service and met the love of her life, Dean Rowley. They shared the joys of discovery through learning about music, literature, culture and wed in 1989. Lee and Dean enjoyed a beautiful life together until he transitioned in 2019. In retirement, Lee continued her love of learning and reading, which kept her going during her battle with kidney disease and as she began her dialysis journey. The team at Southwest Nephrology and DaVita Lithonia provided loving care during those years. She built relationships that kept her going and she appreciated them all. Lee’s special relationship with bonus brother Charles Smith must be noted, as he took her to appointments, dialysis treatments and kept her spirits high throughout. Lee is survived by her loving daughter, Stacey A. Wiggins; her devoted sister Julia M. Brown – DuBose; her caring brother Joseph P. Brown and his wife, Linda Brown; her dear sister-in-law Dr. Diane L. Rowley; and beloved nieces, nephews and extended family who provided love and care over the years. Services entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, 4347 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur, GA 30034

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Leatha Brown Rowley

March 23, 1944 - February 24, 2025