Our History
Harry W. Browne's concern for people was evidenced by everything he did. After graduating from Saginaw High School and attending Michigan State University, he returned to Saginaw to give a voice to the people of the United Auto Workers. He became the first black president of U.A.W. Local 668.
He served 15 years on the Tri-City Airport Commission and 23 years on the County Board of Supervisors. Many also knew Mr. Browne as a bail-bondsman and as someone that helped the underprivileged and the needy.
Mr. Browne was a quiet but very influential leader and role-model in the Saginaw community, conducting minority voter registration drives and running as the first black City Council candidate. The Harry W. Browne Airport, located at 4821 Janes, was named in his honor.
Mr. Browne's concern for people continued when he founded Browne's Mortuary in 1945 at 400 Potter Street in Saginaw, Michigan. He and his wife, Ora D. Browne, moved the business to its present location at 441 N. Jefferson Avenue in 1960. His legacy of caring for people continues today…
In 1997, we acquired the Browne's Mortuary in Saginaw, Michigan. In 2006, we began serving the people of Pontiac, Michigan. In 2012, came the merger of the two oldest, active African-American funeral homes in Saginaw, MI. Browne’s Mortuary and Evans-Smith Funeral Home became one, with a combined total of 144 years of service. The new name is Evans & Browne’s Funeral Home.
The three locations combined employ over 60 dedicated people who live in the communities that they serve and are active in many area churches, social and civic organizations. Our family would appreciate the opportunity to serve your family in any way that we can.
| 1945 | Founded by Harry W. Browne, Browne’s Mortuary opened its doors at 400 Potter Street. |
| 1960 | Relocated to its present location at 441 N. Jefferson Avenue. |
| 1990 | Harry W. Browne passed away. The business was successfully operated from that day by Ora D. Browne and Alonzo L. Betts. |
| 1997 | Partnership between Ora D. Browne and Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence E. Moon of Flint, Michigan. Lawrence Moon becomes Chairman and Operating
Officer. Mrs. Browne becomes Chairperson Emeritus. Remodeling project begins. Alonzo L. Betts becomes General Manager. Cheryl L. Scott-Brown becomes Office Manager. |
| 2006 | Begin serving the people of Pontiac at Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home of Pontiac, Michigan. Presently located: 268 N. Perry St.
Lawrence T. Moon, General Manager |
| 2012 | Merger of the two oldest, active African-American funeral homes in Saginaw, MI. Browne's Mortuary and Evans-Smith Funeral Home become one, with a combined total of 144 years of service. The new name is Evans & Browne's Funeral Home..
Lois A. Dale joins management staff as Assistant Manager. |