Maybell Payne Browne

Born in Logan, West Virginia, to Mose and Louise Lester Payne. Maybell grew up a true “Coal Miner's daughter”, Mose started working in the West Virginia coal mines at the tender age of twelve. Her mother was loving and supportive. Her brothers, Ed “Tiny” and Elmer, were strong and protective. This combination laid a positive foundation for Maybell’s life.

She graduated from “Man High School” in West Virginia, Maybell studied nursing at “St. Mary’s”. After graduating college as a registered nurse, Maybell started her career in nursing that lasted forty-four years. Maybell was blessed with two sons, David and Marc, from her 1st marriage. Maybell met William (Bill) F. Browne, who became the love of her life and they soon married. Bill brought three children of his own into the marriage, David, Lisa, and Mike, Maybell loved them all. Maybell accompanied Bill throughout the rest of his US Navy military career. After 35 years of service, Bill retired a Master Chief Petty Officer. Her outgoing personality, wit, and certainly her beauty, charmed many an Admiral, Governor, and head of State.

Maybell loved Country music. One of her favorite songs was “Take me home country roads” by John Denver. Fun Fact! Did you know, the country music star Freddy Fender once asked her out on a date, and she turned him down? Go Mom!!

Maybell had a soft spot in her heart for anyone in need. She would give her last penny or bite of bread to someone. She said that since she had grown up so poor that “One scrawny chicken had to feed us all for a week,” she would never let anyone in need do without if she could help it. She was generous to a fault!

Maybell trusted in God. Her relationship with Jesus carried her through many a troubled time. She enjoyed going to church, studying the Bible, and sharing her faith and trust in the Lord. She was an active member of New Journey Baptist Church, Tallahassee.

Maybell was preceded in death by parents, Mose and Louise Payne; sister, Helen Payne Head; son, Marc Tyree; brothers, Hobert Payne, Ed (Maxine) Payne, and Elmer (Frieda) Payne.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of forty-two years, William (Bill) Browne; son, David (Darlene) Tyree, David (Lori) Browne, Lisa (Mark) Bess, and Mike Browne. Her grandchildren include Branden Tyree, Jenniffer (Daryle) Persson, Rachel Bess, John (Kylee) Bess. Her Great grandchildren, Chase Bess, Aiyanna James, Victoria Mayes, Mikylah James, Julianna Bess. Her sister-in-law, Peggy (Bobby) Johnston; and many more friends and loved ones.

Maybell made a positive impact on so many people. She was outgoing, personable, generous, and loved to talk to anyone about anything. She never met anyone she wouldn’t call her friend.

We could write volumes about Maybell and her life. The greatest of poets would be rendered speechless if asked to sum up her life in this short space.

All we can say is Maybell loved all of us and we certainly loved her. We will miss her hugs, her words of encouragement, her steadfast faith, her wit and sense of humor. We love you more than we can express. So! Until we meet again Mom, give Heaven some Hell!

A visitation for Maybell will be held Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 11:30 AM at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32308 with the funeral service beginning 12:30pm. The burial will follow at 2:00 PM at Tallahassee National Cemetery, 5015 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, Florida 32311.