Valerie J. Browne

The Rev. Valerie J. Browne 73, of Lewisburg, passed away on Thursday, November 3, 2022. Hers was a life of faith, inclusion, and the empowerment of others.

Val was born on June 5, 1949 to Edna and Jason Browne in Dayton, OH. Growing up in a family valuing education, music, and service, Val graduated from Fairmont West High School in 1967 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Music with certification for Education from Wright State University in 1973. Knowing there was more she could learn to help her community, she continued with graduate studies in Mental Health Counseling at WSU. In 1996, Val graduated and earned her Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary in response to accepting God's call to the ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church.

Prior to Val's ordination, she supported her communities by working in public safety, health care, and music ministry. She responded to urgent needs as a paraprofessional counselor with Good Samaritan Mental Health Center; a paramedic for Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, Mont. Co. Jail, and Randolph Twp. Fire Department; and an emergency dispatcher for the cities of Clayton and Englewood. Val's passion for music and love for her community was also demonstrated through her work as a music teacher at Phillipsburg Elementary and director for Englewood United Methodist Church choirs: Chancel Choir, God's Connection, and Praise Celebration Singers. Val also served as Christian Education Director at EUMC. Over many years, her volunteer work at EUMC included involvement in bible studies, media ministry, Boy Scouts, and youth ministry. Memories made at Tar Hollow and a myriad of work camps were among her favorites.

In 1994, Val's ministry took her to Community UMC in Brookville, OH where her journey to ordination would begin. She served as an associate pastor at Sulphur Grove UMC, 1996-2001, where her work with youth grew to include more positive and meaningful experiences for young people to grow closer to God. In 2001, Val would move to learn and grow in God's love as she served as the lead pastor at Ware's Chapel UMC until 2005. The backpack and school supply donation and Parish Hall expansion project were close to her heart. Val's ministry did not end with retirement, as she was devoted to the necessary work and service of the Monroe Township Food Bank at Ware's Chapel.

Val was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her daughters Martha (Patrick) Sonner of Union and Jamie (R. Derrick) Fetz of Urbana and her granddaughters Madeleine, Eliza, and Mari. She is also survived by her brothers Ronald and Dennis, their families, as well as her former spouse, James D. Long.

A memorial service will be held at Englewood UMC 107 N. Walnut St. on Sunday Nov.13 at 2:30pm. Her family will be available for visitation at 1:30pm and during the reception following the service. With deepest gratitude, the family appreciates gifts to be made to the Monroe Twp. Food Bank or Englewood United Methodist Church in lieu of flowers.