Dr. Donald C. Browder M.D. "Sonny"

In the quiet stillness of the day, Dr. Donald C. Browder, quietly transitioned from labor to his eternal peaceful rest on Sunday, June 7, 2019. Having faithfully and lovingly served his family, his country and mankind as a physician with compassion, he fulfilled his God given purpose. He was born March 2, 1934 in Columbus, Ohio, to proud parents, the late Clarke M. Browder and the late Margaret E. Browder. He was the older brother to his sister, Dr. Donna Evans. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister. He enjoyed a full life and completed his life’s journey fulfilling the scriptures in Psalm 90: 10 and 12: “The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty” and “Teach us to number our days that we may apply a heart of wisdom.”

His life of service modeled the example of Jesus Christ. He followed the greatest commandment to love one another. His friendly personality, and love for people garnered respect from many. He was admired by colleagues and staff and those who were blessed by his professional care and services. He was an” honorable man, a gentle giant, and true gentleman.” He set a stellar example of “living to love and loving to serve.”

Dr. Browder valued his family and treasured the time that he spent with them. His most treasured times in life was when he met, fell in love and married Dr. Norma J. Browder. Their marriage was made in heaven! They enjoyed a beautiful life together for 55 years. Their love was kindled as they enjoyed spending time on the beach together, listening to music and sharing “love movie dates every Saturday night for over 40 years! Their union was blessed with twins, Clarke and Robin. They brought him unspeakable joy and he was most proud of their accomplishments. His grandchildren were his “bundles of joy” and the “apple of his eye.” Family time was of utmost importance and he was confident that the strong bonds with his son, daughter and grandchildren would transcend time and endure for generations.

Dr. Browder was honored to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army and served from 1957-1959. He had a quest for knowledge and was a lifelong learner. He excelled academically and graduated from Capital University in Ohio with a degree in Biology. He was a distinguished graduate of Howard University Medical School in Washington, DC in 1968. He enjoyed an illustrious career in medicine and worked for Freedman’s Hospital, Cafritz Hospital and Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital where he retired in 2000 after over 25 years of government service.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 55 years, Dr. Norma J. Browder; his children, Clarke K. Browder and Robin T. Browder, Esq. of Washington DC; his grandchildren, Clarke A. Browder, Lauren D. Browder, Daniel G. Swinson and Camille Z. Swinson; a great grandchild, Emmanuel Browder; a niece, Jocelyn Smith of Encino, California and a host of cousins and friends.