Markie Browning

Marquetta “Markie” Lynne Browning, 62, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2022 in Durham, NC after a long battle with COPD

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Markie was born on May 16, 1960 to Mary Browning and Franklin Wright in Boise, ID.  Although she lived in North Carolina and other places for over a decade, she always considered Boise her true home. She attended Boise High School. Markie never tied herself down to a specific career, and mainly spent her life working in retail but told many fun and interesting stories about her other varied experiences.  

Markie is best known for her feisty personality.  Although she was small in size, she was big in spirit, and she was never one to back down from her opinion or beliefs- she always stood her ground.  She was known for being very funny, with an infectious laugh. She hated taking pictures, but if you caught her in one, she had the prettiest smile. She is perhaps best remembered for her uncanny ability to make true life-long friends wherever she went, no matter the circumstances; if it was your business, it was hers too! Although she never liked to cook much, she was well known for her fried pineapple chicken, fried steak, fried cabbage and enchiladas and she loved being able to show off her signature dishes whenever she could.  She liked to read, and occasionally enjoyed writing poetry as well. She loved talking smack with friends and family over a good game of cards or dice. Those who knew Markie knew she loved 80’s and 90’s R&B, especially Keith Sweat.

Throughout her life, Markie battled many afflictions and she worked very hard to successfully turn her life around and make amends for her past. She was able to survive breast cancer, even stopping her life-long habit of smoking, although it left her with chronic breathing issues.  In her later years, although she refused to be a “grandma” she loved being a “nana” to all of her 7 grandchildren and spending time with her daughters, especially at special family events.  She loved caring for her dog Chewy, who managed to take on her same feisty personality.  She also renewed her relationship with God, and enjoyed time reading the bible, watching and supporting many ministers, and listening to gospel music. 

In her last few years, Markie spent much of her time in and out of hospitals where she showed her same fighting spirit as she battled the progressive effects of her COPD and other illnesses. She was determined to make her days last, doing what she could to be well.  This made it difficult for her to keep up with all the people she cared for.  Although she was very private, and did not want others burdened by troubles, she also always, always, held her friends and loved ones close to her heart and prayers.  
Markie was preceded in death by her grandmother Helen Linton, mother Mary Browning and granddaughter Dakaia Gray.  She is survived by her father Frank Wright, daughters Jamila Howard, Lanita Browning, and Shala Browning and son-in-law Brian Howard; brothers Roscoe, Donald and Leslie Browning and sisters Barbara Browning Dennis and Debra Browning Bennett; grandchildren Darius James, Daivon Browning, Steven Johnson, Deja Gray, Malia Howard, and Alexia Bynum, and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews and friends all over the country.  

There will be a viewing at 11 am on Saturday, July 23, 2022, followed by a short funeral service at 12 pm at Summers Funeral Home at 3629 E. Ustick Rd.  Meridian, ID  83642.  The service will also be live streamed.  The family requests that family and close relations wear a shade of blue in her honor.