Natalie Gwendolyn Wiley Browne was born in Kimball, West Virginia on June 19, 1924. She attended St. Francis de Sales High School in Powhatan Virginia and went on to graduate from Xavier University in New Orleans. From there she taught in primary and secondary schools in Edenton, North Carolina; Gary, West Virginia and in New York City. Natalie also took post-graduate classes at the Julliard School of Music.
In 1948, Natalie married Russel E. Browne. They had two children, Tanya and Maurice.
Although the marriage ended, they remained lifelong friends. In the late 50’s, Natalie co-authored a series of research studies on the Africa countries of Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda which were published by the Foundation for All Africa Inc. She later changed fields and worked as a case and psychiatric social worker for the Bureau of Child Welfare. While at the bureau, she received a scholarship to do graduate work at Adelphia University. Natalie then became the director and executive administrator of several economic development organizations.
In 1969, she began teaching psychology courses at Suffolk County Community College in Long Island, NY. During her tenure, Natalie received a Master of Arts degree from Stony Brook and a Master of Science degree from Bowie State University. In 1988, she was honored by staff and faculty and was selected as an outstanding member of the faculty. She retired as a full professor in 1990.
Natalie enjoyed traveling around the world visiting more than 20 countries. She found joy in the theatre, the arts, music. She also enjoyed entertaining friends and family. She was truly unique, energetic, adventurous and spirited.
Natalie is survived by her daughter Tanya, and son-in-law John Holmes; her son Maurice and daughter-in-law Brenda Nelson; five grandchildren, Jason, Jessica, Natalie, Kelly and Justin; and two great-granddaughters Laila and Kennedy. Natalie joined her parents in heaven on December 10, 2019. She will be dearly missed and cherished by family and friends.
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