History

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our Founder

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.

About Us

1945	Founded by Harry W. Browne, Evans & Browne's Funeral Home 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.

Evans-Smith Funeral Home History

The Evans-Smith Funeral Home was started in 1935 as Evans Memorial Chapel by its founder, George W. Evans.

George married Annie Marie Smith who operated the business with him for many years. After his passing in 1995, Annie continued to service the community with her daughters, Carla M. Smith and Lois A. Dale, at her side.

They worked together serving grieving families, until Annie herself passed into eternal life on May 21, 2005.

Their daughters, Carla and Lois, continued to work together to provide assistance to those trying to cope with the complexities of grief throughout our community.

To access the services that were entrusted to the Evans-Smith Funeral Home prior to the merger with Browne's Mortuary, please click on (or copy and paste) the following link: