Ruby Elizabeth Harper Browning

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 3, 2011, 2:00 p.m. at McMillan Funeral Home with Bro. Mike Marecle officiating. Visitation will be between the hours of 5-8p.m. on Saturday, July 2, and 1-2 on Sunday prior to the service. Interment will follow at the Oaklawn Memorial Park in Booneville.

Born January 26, 1916 to Sam and Lucille Harper, Elizabeth was one of eight children.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters; two brothers; her son, Robert Carroll Browning, and her husband, Carroll Lacy Browning.

Elizabeth lived most of her life in the Osborne Creek community near Booneville. She was a long time member of the Osborne Creek Baptist Church. She worked many years as a bookkeeper, but her talents and interests were multi-faceted. An avid gardner, she was well known for her beautiful orchids and roses, being very generous in sharing her flowers with friends and family members whenever a special occasion wouls arise. She created beautiful quilts and needlework and excelled at solving crossword puzzels. A lover of nature, she experienced great joy and satisfaction in watching, feeding, and caring for all the birds that flocked to her back yard.

No stranger to adversity, Elizabeth endured the heartbreaking losses of her only son, Robert, whose courageous battle with cancer ended in 1988. Four years later in 1992, she lost her beloved husband, Carroll. It was, however, through these painful losses, setbacks, and unexpected bends in the road, that she emerged more determined, strong, and resolute. Her fierce independent spirit, her dogged determination to navigate and press on through life’s storms, and her unwavering faith in God, enabled and equipped her to continue to live alone in her own home for many years. Elizabeth was the essence of the true southern “Steel Magnolia”.

She was blessed to have a devoted daughter-in-law, Rachel, who took on the care-giving responsibilities in her declining years. Rachel provided uncommon love, loyalty, and devotion.

While a resident at Trinity Mission and Rehab Center in Clinton, “Mom Browning”, as she was affectionately called endeared herself to all, earning a reputation among the residents and staff as an “encourager”.

She is survived by one sister, Sarah Moore of West Memphis, AR; grandson, Bobby Browning (lisa) of Purvis; granddaughter, Beth Neely (Robbie) of Clinton; four great-grandchildren, Jordan and Madeline Browning, Anna and Emily Neely; and daughter-in-law, Rachel Browning of Clinton.

A special extended family includes Kathy Clark of Saltillo and her children, Daniel, Kristin, and Seth as well as Jerry and Dawn Foster of Madison and their son, Kenneth.

Memorials may be made to Hope Family Ministries, 2754 Mattox Street, Tupelo, MS 38801.