Betty O Browne

Our precious mother, Betty Olene Browne, 83 of Genesee Lane , joined her husband in Heaven on August 14, 2014. Betty was born April 25, 1931, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. An only child, she was raised by her mother Florence Veney Walker and her Step-Father, Henry Walker. They, along with her extended family doted on her, took her to church and watched her grow to become a lovely young woman. Betty first left her dear family after high school. She ventured to Washington D. C. after accepting her first Civil Service position as a clerk typist in the Pentagon. Upon arriving there by bus, and being confronted with the reality of "colored only" signs, her family's matriarch encouraged her to stay, telling her that she would not return to Johnstown to "do the white man's laundry", thus breaking the cycle of domestic servitude. It was in Washington D.C. that she met Lloyd Stafford Browne, by whom she was immediately smitten and thereupon knew that she would "...marry that man...". It was also there, they would marry and remain so for 62 years, until Lloyds death in 2013. They quickly began to grow their large family. Dad's military career would take them to Honolulu Hawaii , several Mid-Atlantic states, and finally to Plattsburgh, New York were they settled and continued to raise their children, nurture their grandchildren, build lasting friendships and spend the rest of their lives. Betty re-entered the workforce at Plattsburgh AFB in Civilian Personnel, retiring in 1992 after 30 years of faithful and devoted Federal Service with the United States Air Force. She was proud of her career, and was often heard saying "I processed in every civilian on that base". After retirement she was continually approached while out in the community by the people she hired and by those whose lives she touched. Having worked under several Base Commanders, her reputation in both the military and civilian community garnered deep respect and affection for both her exemplary professionalism and her compassionate approach towards civilian employees. She was saddened at the base's eventual closure, but remained dedicated to it's continual existence. Betty and Lloyd's friends were many, diverse in every way, and cherished. Their children's friends were among her greatest admirers, many of whom grew to love her deeply. Betty was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2005. During her illness she was lovingly cared for by her husband, with support from their youngest daughter, Karen. After Lloyd's unexpected illness and subsequent death, a promise to our father was fulfilled; a promise that our mother would remain in her home under the diligent and incomparable care of Karen. For this, Karen's siblings are forever grateful. Each and everyone of Betty's children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were privileged to love and know her through her illness. We consider ourselves blessed to understand intimately that this disease does not alter the essence of its victims. Our mother's soul, spirit and personality were tenaciously present. We know this by the lovely lilt in her laughter, the determination in her voice, and the way she looked at her husband. Along with her husband she is predeceased by her parents and dear friend Dorothy Lawrence. Betty is survived by seven children, their spouses and children, Lloyd Jr. of Las Vegas; Mark (Shirley) of Jacksonville, Fla.; Marjorie Miller (David) of Tucson, Ariz.; Karen of Plattsburgh; Neal (Rochelle) of Tucson; Carlton of Plattsburgh; and Roger (Nancy) of Plattsburgh. Betty is survived by grandchildren Hayes(Kimberly) and Aaron, Charles, Natalie, and James, Allison(Ernie) and Nicole, Aisha (Omar) and Akil, and Maya and Izaiah. Also left are great grandchildren Kayla, Khalil, and Elias, Adryana, Brady, Cohen and Xavier, Cameron, Conner, and Koby, River Lily and Charles. She is also survived by her loving daughters-in-law, Kathy Browne Schaefer and Sylvia Rodriquez, dearest friends Pete Lawrence and Mr. and Mrs Robert Allen. Betty is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Our family is grateful to Dr. William Pelton, and her aides Melissa Macy and Carmen Whilby for their loving care of our mother. We are especially grateful to her granddaughter Natalie for her dedication to our mother. In leau of flowers donations can be made to the American Heart Association