Claude M. Browne (Lansing)

Mr. Claude Morton Browne passed away Thursday, June 15, 2023, at his residence in Lansing, Michigan at the age of 101 years old. He was born the son of Larkin and Annie Browne in Columbia, Tennessee on Saturday, May 27, 1922; he shared the same birthday with his brother, James.

Upon graduating from high school, Claude joined the United States Army and served from 1943 through 1946, when he received his Honorable Discharge. He married on Thursday, January 2, 1947, the love of his life, Woodia Nicholson, “Bea” as she was known to family. They were blessed to become the parent of two children, Thresa Claudette and Paul Morton. The Browne Family moved to Lansing, Michigan in 1952. Claude found his employment at General Motors Corporation in 1956. He became an active member of UAW Local 652 where he was chairman of the Fair Practice Anti-Discrimination Committee and the Civil Rights Committee for 31 years.

Trinity A.M.E. Church in Lansing, Michigan is where Claude worshipped for over 60 years. Mr. Browne, as most people called him, was well known by most people in the City of Lansing and was loved by all. He was known to say, “I’m not in a hurry to go,” as he proudly would tell anyone his age.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory his children, Thresa Claudette Browne and Paul Morton Browne; three grandchildren, Sandy Hudson of Lansing, Michigan, Rasheka Christian of Detroit, Michigan, and Paula Browne of Gulfport, Mississippi; nine great-grandchildren, Neivrah Bowers, Jamarie and J’Ceyon Smith, Santana Cage, Leilani VanHorn, Isaac and Isaiah Rouch, and Nyanna and Hank Boerman; brothers-in-law, Thessley (Yvonne) Nicholson and Earl Nicholson, Sr. all of Lansing, Michigan; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was proceeded in death by his loving wife, Woodia “Bea”; parents, Larkin and Annie Browne; four siblings, Annie Browne, Magdaline Kinnaro, William Browne and James Browne; nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law.