Mary Frances Gerling Browning

Mrs. Browning was born July 20, 1921, in Wheeling, WV, the only child of Lawrence Michael Gerling and Helen Margaret Lucey Gerling. Her parents, both natives of Utica, NY, lived only briefly in Wheeling before moving to Raleigh in 1923, where her father managed the local office of R.G. Dun & Company (later Dun & Bradstreet). The family was active in Raleigh’s small Catholic community, and they were members of the new Sacred Heart Church (later Cathedral) when it was dedicated in October 1924. Mrs. Browning attended the original Cathedral School from 1927 to 1934. She graduated from Needham B. Broughton High School in 1938, Peace College in 1940, and Hardbarger’s Business College in 1941. She then accepted a secretarial position in the Advertising Department of Carolina Power & Light.

She married Robert C. Browning on May 9, 1942, at Sacred Heart Cathedral. During World War II, while Mr. Browning served with the United States Army Corps of Engineers in the European Theatre, she returned to work at CP&L, this time in the Personnel Department. After the war, they settled in Raleigh and started their family. Her focus was on raising their three children, and she was involved in their school and scouting activities. In addition, she supported her husband in his work as a Professional Engineer in private practice. She was a member of the Green Thumb Garden Club from 1958 to 2009, and a volunteer at Rex Hospital from 1979 to 2004. Devoted to her family and friends, she was a thoughtful and compassionate woman with a good sense of humor. Her close relationships with her children and grandchildren brought her great joy, and she was always ready to join them in wide-ranging conversations. They found in her a supportive confidante and trusted advisor who listened attentively, remembered details, helped sort through problems, and applauded every achievement.

Mrs. Browning is survived by her son, Robert C. Browning, Jr., of Raleigh; her son, Lawrence M. Browning, and his wife, Jolynn T. Browning, of High Point, NC; and her daughter, Ann F. Browning, and her husband, Thomas E. Underhill, MD, of Richmond, VA. She is also survived by three grandchildren, George R. Browning, Virginia A. Browning, and Michael A. Browning; and by two great-grandchildren, Katherine G. Browning and Cooper J. Browning, all of Raleigh. In addition, she is survived by five nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Steven Liebowitz, MD, for his kindness and empathy during the many years of excellent medical care he provided to both Mr. and Mrs. Browning.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 8, at the Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary’s Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 9, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 200 Hillsborough Street. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 South Wilmington Street. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607; SPCA of Wake County, 200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603; or to a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brownwynne.com