6-13-12

Leila Browning left us June 10, 2012 just short of her 84th birthday. She was, to the last, a strong-minded individualist, living her life in the manner that most pleased her, while known for her generosity with family and friends. She mastered her favorite pastime – fishing – in the ponds at Lovett and the reaches of the Econfina River– even if not pulling in a big catch every trip. Known affectionately as “Noochie”, her special talent was being the best at whatever she set her mind to; fishing, academics at Greenville High School and beyond, and her professional work as an accountant. She was legendary within the family as an exceptional card player, even in friendly games. Being the best is particularly true in her generosity and love for friends and family. Ever a strong support to her family – parents William Carlos (Los) and Emmett Dewey Browning of Lovett and brothers Carroll (Tib) Browning and W. H. (Dub) Browning of Jacksonville – she is survived by sisters Patty Olson and Marianne Green (Madison, FL); nieces Beth Tweddle (Centreville, VA), Dr. Eve Browning (Duluth, MN); Sheila Hartsfield (GA); nephews Ivan Browning (St. Augustine, FL), Bill Green (Washington, DC), and James Green (Raleigh, NC), 5 great-nieces, 9 great-nephews, and numerous friends in and around Madison, and across the country.

Her academic scholarship for teacher training at Florida State gave way to enlistment in the Women’s Army Corps, where she served eight years. Her duty stations included Japan, and Washington DC. Leila earned her first accounting credentials from Strayer College, and later, a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Florida State University. In her career as an accountant, Leila helped expand a rewarding business for brother Tib Browning, and her clients usually included fishing outfitters across North Florida. Her work on her own farm left time to pursue the activities she loved – a good book, a friendly game of cards, a visit with friends. She leaves a legacy of consideration and kindness for all whose paths crossed hers, from the Lovett community to dedicated medical teams at Lake City Veterans Hospital.

Services at Concord Church , Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 10:30 a.m.

The family requests that condolences be expressed by contributions in support of our nation’s military heroes; the Wounded Warrior Project, at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or to the USO at www.uso.org or United Service Organizations P.O. Box 96322 Washington, DC 20090-6322