Dr Grainger Browning Sr
July 18, 2017Share using:
Dr. Grainger Browning, Sr., native of Raleigh, NC, who most recently resided in Hampton VA, Patriarch of his family, humanitarian, advocate for world peace and racial equality, and noted Sociologist, quietly went home to be with the Lord, on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at the age of 99, lovingly surrounded by his family and friends.
Dr. Browning was born on November 5, 1917 in Weldon, North Carolina, the last of five children, to James Henry Browning and Emma Indiana Richards Browning. There in a loving and nurturing family environment, he received his life-long passion for education, a strong Christian foundation, and the understanding of the importance of family. Dr. Browning's love, passion and heart were first to his family. He left North Carolina for Massachusetts to pursue his education, and there met his beautiful wife, Esther Amy Merriman Browning, of Cambridge MA, with whom he was a devoted husband for 67 years of marriage, prior to her passing.
His family was the focus of many numerous writings, to include one of his doctoral papers. He always wanted to engage in passionate conversation with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren about their interests, and always made sure they received fascinating and informative books for Christmas or birthdays, regarding their heritage or areas of interest. He also had a great sensitivity for his Community. He was a representation of love and justice in all phases of his life. He embodied a sense of fearlessness as he shared his Christian belief, and love for all Human-kind and a desire for World Peace.
Dr. Browning, who was a distinguished Sociologist, received a B.A. in History and English from Shaw University in Raleigh, NC, a Masters Degree and Ph.D. in Sociology from Boston University, in Boston Massachusetts. Dr. Browning has to his credit, a rich and varied professional experience in both the educational and social work fields. He held the following appointments: Director of Boys Activities, Cambridge Community Center, Cambridge, MA; Assistant Professor of Sociology and Economics, North Carolina A & T University, Greensboro, NC; Assistant Professor, Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC; Instructor of Psychology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA; Director, Ellis Memorial Settlement House, Boston, MA; Associate Professor, Hampton University, Hampton, VA; and Professor Emeritus, Fitchburg State University, Fitchburg, MA ,upon retirement. His contributions were recognized by the Massachusetts Teachers Association, which awarded him the Martin Luther King Human Relations Award, in 1983; and he received the Distinguished Service Award from Fitchburg State College in 1979. He also served as President of the Massachusetts Sociological Association.
Dr. Browning authored several sociological publications and received numerous other honors, awards and citations. He was a proud supporter of various Humanitarian and Peace Organizations to include The Travelers Aid Society of Boston, Board of Directors; Amnesty International, USA; American Civil Liberties Union; American Friends Service Committee; Big Brother Association of Greater Boston; Southern Poverty Law Center; World Federalist Association; World Vision; World Council of Churches; Citizens of Global Solutions; Fellowship of Reconciliation; International Red Cross; Doctors Without Borders; Carter Center founded by President and Mrs. Jimmie Carter; International Criminal Court; The United Nations; and Common Cause.
He was an active member of his beloved Omega Psi Phi Fraternity for over 80 years. He was the "Omega Man of the Year", for the Iota Chi Chapter of Cambridge Massachusetts, 1980, 1985, and 1989. He was an active member of the Zeta Omicron Chapter, Hampton Virginia. Additionally, Dr. Browning was a lifetime member of the NAACP, and Founder and First President of the Montachusett Branch of the NAACP, Fitchburg, MA.
Dr. Browning's life was grounded and centered around the Church. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized and raised as a youth at First Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC. Dr. Browning was a long-standing member of Union Baptist Church of Cambridge, MA, who honored the Browning's by establishing and naming, "The Esther and Grainger Browning Center for Christian Education". He and his wife relocated to Hampton Virginia in 2001, and were active and devoted members of his beloved First Baptist Church of Hampton.
He was the loving and devoted husband of 67 years to Esther Amy Merriman Browning who preceded him in death. He is survived by a son, Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning, Jr. (daughter-in-love, Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning) of Fort Washington, MD; a daughter, Elder Cornelia Browning Moore of Newport News, VA; one grandson, Grainger Browning, III (Courtney Riley Browning) of Accokeek, MD; one granddaughter, Candace J. M. Davis (Andre) of Accokeek, MD; three great grandchildren: Kaylah Browning, Grainger Browning IV, and Imani C. J. Davis; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, friends and loving caretakers.
A funeral service will be held at 11am, Wednesday, July 26, 2017, at First Baptist Church, 229 N. King Street, Hampton, VA 23669. The Wake will be held from 9 am until 11am. A final funeral service will be held August 1, 2017, at Union Baptist Church, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Local arrangements are by O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home.
