John "Mike" Michael Browning

John Michael “Mike” Browning, 70, of Beckley, West Virginia, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, July 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous battle with glioblastoma. 

Born on December 5, 1955, in Charleston, West Virginia, Mike was the son of the late Cecil and Eloise Browning. He spent his childhood in the close-knit coal camp community of Stickney in Raleigh County, a place that forever shaped the man he would become. He often described those years as some of the happiest of his life, where neighbors were family, hard work was a way of life, and compassion for others was simply expected. The values he learned there; honesty, humility, service, perseverance, and love for community, became the foundation upon which he built his life. 

Mike believed education was one of life’s greatest gifts. Although he began his career as an underground coal miner, he never stopped learning. Through determination and an unwavering work ethic, he earned multiple college degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts from West Virginia Institute of Technology, a Bachelor of Arts in Labor Studies from Antioch University/George Meany Center for Labor Studies, a Master of Arts in Labor and Policy Studies from Empire State College, an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Marshall University, and an Associate of Applied Science degree from Mountwest Community & Technical College. He often encouraged others to pursue education, believing it had the power to change lives. 

Throughout a remarkable career spanning more than five decades, Mike dedicated himself to serving others. Beginning in the coal mines where he learned the dignity of hard work, he went on to serve in numerous leadership roles, including Vice President and Regional Director for the United Mine Workers of America. His commitment to public service led him to become Deputy Treasurer for the State of West Virginia, Executive Director of the West Virginia Public Service Commission, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, Chief Executive Officer of Webster County Memorial Hospital, Training Specialist with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), and founder of Safety Training Consultants, LLC. He also served as an adjunct professor for many years, mentoring countless students and future leaders. 

His professional accomplishments were many, earning him an honorary doctorate, numerous awards, certifications, and recognition for civic leadership throughout West Virginia. Yet if asked what he was most proud of, Mike’s answer was always the same: His family. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Jackie Browning; his daughters, Jillian Yeager and husband Jason, and Ann Marie Holmes and husband Neil; and his cherished grandchildren, Easton Yeager, Noah Holmes, and Ava Holmes, each of whom brought immeasurable happiness to his life. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Jayna Browning, whose passing in 2017 left an ache in his heart that never faded. In his own journal, Mike wrote that if he could have changed one thing in life, it would have been to spare Jayna from her struggles. His love for her never diminished, and her memory remained with him every day. 

Mike is also survived by his siblings, Norma Gunnoe and husband Paul, Becky Gilfilen and husband Danny, Yvonne “Tic” Stewart and husband Dean, and Doug Browning and wife Kim, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, former students, colleagues, and countless people whose lives were enriched by his kindness and encouragement. 

Those who knew Mike knew a man who never met a stranger. He was a natural conversationalist who loved learning about people and helping them solve problems. Whether mentoring a young professional, encouraging a student, advocating for miners, teaching mine safety, or simply listening to a friend, Mike possessed a rare gift for making people feel valued. His wisdom was matched only by his humility. 

He loved sports, especially football and baseball. He was a lifelong fan of the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Browns, and Marshall University athletics. He treasured time spent with family, gathering with those he loved during Thanksgiving and Christmas, holidays that he considered among the greatest blessings in life. 

In the pages of a journal he completed for his grandchildren, Mike reflected on the things that mattered most. He wrote that his greatest accomplishments were his family, his education, and helping others. When asked what he was most grateful for, he answered simply: “My family. My friends. The jobs I’ve had. My educational background.” Those words perfectly summarize a life lived with purpose. 

He also chose a title for the story of his own life: “An Undetermined Journey.” 

Though he could never have known where that journey would lead, it became a life defined not by titles or accolades, but by compassion, integrity, service, and unconditional love. 

To honor Mike’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. His family will gather with relatives and friends at a later date to celebrate his extraordinary life, share stories, and remember the countless ways he touched the lives of others. 

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, therapists, hospice staff, friends, and loved ones who cared for Mike with such compassion throughout his illness. Your kindness will never be forgotten. 

Mike’s legacy lives on in every student he encouraged, every miner he protected, every colleague he mentored, every friend he supported, every grandchild who adored him, and every member of his family who was blessed to know his unwavering love. 

He often believed that a person’s true success is measured not by what they accumulate, but by how they make others feel and the lives they leave better than they found them. 

Mike did exactly that. 

His journey may have reached its earthly end, but the lessons he taught, the example he lived, and the love he gave will continue to guide his family and all who knew him for generations to come.

Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net.

Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 1901 South Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV.