Michael Edward Browne

Michael Edward Browne, 73, passed away on December 25, 2023 at Willow Valley Nursing Facility in Winston-Salem. He was born in Norfolk, VA to Joseph E. Browne (1916-1985) and Margaret (Peggy) Finn Browne (1920-2011), both children of Irish Immigrants. He was baptized in Norfolk with his godparents, Uncle George Kehoe and Aunt Sarah Finn Kehoe. His education began at St. Leo’s elementary school in Winston-Salem, NC and he continued his education at Wainwright Elementary in El Paso, TX, Magoffin Middle School in El Paso, TX, Cathedral High School in El Paso, TX, and R.J. Reynolds High School and Bishop McGuinness High School in Winston-Salem, from which he graduated. He matriculated at Belmont Abbey College in NC, where he received B.A.s in both Art and Education in 1973. He continued to achieve his Master of Arts and other advanced education in his fields and was also pursuing a D Ed. program when complications of diabetes prevented further progress. Michael enjoyed golf and martial arts from his time at Belmont Abbey. Following his graduation from Belmont Abbey, he started part-time teaching Art at Bishop McGuinness High School in Winston Salem for well over 20 years, growing the Art Department into a full scope, multi-faceted program. Michael was active at the High School volunteering to sponsor and chaperone student events. He was popular with students and faculty. Unfortunately, he collapsed from complications of diabetes causing partial brain death whereafter he began residence in a nursing facility, now known as Willow Valley. Michael was the youngest resident at the facility when he entered and was well liked by other residents and staff. He served for many years as the President of the Residents Association and was asked to teach art classes there and elsewhere. While teaching, he was concurrently a working artist and especially known for his excellent pottery, sculptors in plexiglass and silk screens. Two of his best oil on canvas works, “The Crucifixion” and “Three Sisters” as well as a watercolor portrait of a celebrity have disappeared. His work was exhibited in Tri-Cities and elsewhere in the southeast US. His work is currently on display, by appointment, near Detroit, MI. During school summer breaks, he had the occasion to offer special tutoring to client artists in North America and Europe. Michael was also a member of the Winston-Salem BPOE Elks Club and his college fraternity. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, M. Kerry Browne of NC. Michael is survived by his sisters, K. Gail Browne Phillips (Steven) of MI and E. Joy Browne Upchurch of NC; and godchildren, Sean M. Browne of NC and Delia Phillips King (Raymond) of MI. Services will be private and the family requests no flowers please. Donations may be made to “Michael’s Gift” c/o Gail Phillips, 18815 Eastwood Dr. Harper Woods, MI 48225.