On Thursday, November 9, 2017, Wilhelmena Gaynelle Brown Lash was called home by God, while resting comfortably at home surrounded by family. She was born on October 9, 1921 to the late Thomas Jefferson Brown and Mary Effie Faison Brown. She was the youngest of four siblings: Thomas Leon Brown, Macie Elizabeth Brown, and Eldridge (Charles) Alphonso Brown. The importance of a quality education was imprinted on her at an early age. Both parents graduated Shaw University in Raleigh. Her father taught, was postmaster and actively fundraised for Winston-Salem Teacher's College (Winston-Salem State University) for nearly 70 years. So, it's no surprise that Wilhelmena was born in the college campus infirmary.

After graduating from Atkins High School at age 15 in 1937, she immediately attended Winston-Salem Teacher's College. She was a member of the school's first cheerleading squad and was a brilliant student. She completed her studies in 3 years and in 1940 was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Influenced by her aunt Mable Faison Carter, a graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia, she received her Master's degree in Library Science from North Carolina Central University in 1947. Post degree, she began her teaching career at Caswell County Schools in Yanceyville, NC. In addition to her teaching duties, she was a saxophonist in the traveling faculty band. It was here she met the love of her life, David Lee Lash, Sr. They married on April 11, 1943 and relocated to Winston-Salem, where she worked as librarian for the next 43 years at Kimberly Park Elementary, Paisley Jr. High, Glenn Jr. High, and Moore Elementary schools. Wilhelmena became a lifelong member of First Baptist Church at the age of 12 in 1933. Her parents taught that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ was integral to success and her church family kept her on the path. Through Sunday School teaching, the Senior Choir, Missionary meetings and the Women's Service Council, she was active for 84 years and was recently honored as the longest serving member of First Baptist Church.

Wilhelmena joined the Phi Omega Grad Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in 1946. She was recognized as a Golden Soror in 1996 and remained active in the sorority until the end. She never understood what retirement meant. After her teaching career, she remained active in the First Baptist Church community and volunteered at Carver School Road Branch Library and other engagements. Her loving of learning and sport and her wonderful sense of humor were strong threads throughout her life and impacted many people. She was a faithful friend, loving wife, sister, and an active and welcome participant in the lives, decisions and accomplishments of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, David Lash, Sr. and granddaughter Lisa Clarke and her siblings. She is survived by children Bonnie Lash Freeman, David Lash, Jr., Allyn Kim Lash (William) Gillespie; by her grandchildren Colsaria (James) Henderson and Benjamin Lash; by her great-grandchildren Caperton, Zion, and Langston Henderson; nephew, Clark Brown, Jr. and four great nieces and nephews Carla Brown Rumph, Maurice Brown, Joya Brown, John Brown Jr.

For a copy of the funeral program, click here