Dorothy Browning Brown passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022. Born on Jan. 18, 1933, in Madison, Fla., to Louise Zipperer Browning and Edwin Bailey Browning, Sr., she lived a long and full life. Dorothy graduated from Florida State University in 1955 with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary School Education and earned her Master’s Degree in Elementary School Education from FSU in 1956.
She married her high school sweetheart, Arden Smith Brown, on June 18, 1957, at The First Baptist Church of Madison, Fla. They were married until Arden passed in March of 2019.
After they married, Dorothy and Arden embarked on some wonderful adventures. Leaving North Florida to pursue careers, they lived for many years in Westfield, N.J. Dorothy taught school at Grant Elementary School until their first child, Tom, was born in 1961. Daughter, Sally, was born in 1965.
That same year, they set off for Holland, and then in 1968, they went to live in England. Four years later found them in Venezuela. These moves were necessitated by Arden’s career as a computer engineer for Exxon. During these transitions, Dorothy provided a constant and loving environment at home for Arden and their children, while still volunteering her time to local causes and learning Dutch and Spanish.
Moves back to Westfield, N.J. and then to Texas followed. Upon Arden’s retirement in 1992, they returned to their home place in the Hickory Grove Community in Pinetta, Fla. With Dorothy’s vision and guidance, the neglected 1800s house became a livable and beautiful home and the grounds flourished.
Dorothy volunteered her time to the Treasures of Madison County, helping that organization come to fruition. Dorothy never failed to show generosity to those in need, to make a quick-witted quip or to flash her beautiful (and sometimes slightly mischievous) smile just when it was needed most. No doubt her beloved husband is glad to see that smile again!
Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Arden S. Brown; parents, Edwin B. Browning, Sr. and Louise Z. Browning; parents-in-law, Doyle Brown and Ida Mae McLeod Brown; sister, Marlyn B. Chutz (Gerrard); brother, James B. Browning; and brother-in-law, Forest D. Brown. Survivors include son, Thomas Edwin Brown; daughter, Sarah B. (Sally) Akins; son-in-law, Dale Akins; brother, Edwin B. Browning, Jr. (Faye); sisters-in-law: LaVerne B. Rutherford (Bill), Patricia T. Browning and Polly C. Brown, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, special cousins and long-time family friend, Willie Brown.
There will be a private, family service, in keeping with Dorothy’s wishes.
If you feel so inclined, you may honor Dorothy’s memory by making a contribution to your favorite charity.