Laura Elaine Brownell

Laura is survived by her three daughters, Susan K. Brownell, Jill Brownell Young, Judy Brownell Woody and sons- in-law she loved so much, Lance M. Young, Jim D. Woody and Philip E Wetzel. Survivors also include her brother Neil Hougland and she was preceded in death by her brother Ray Hougland, parents Hollis and Lois Hougland, Grace and Fred Murphy (adoptive) and grandson, Matthew J. Brownell. Other survivors include her two grandchildren, Ryan Wetzel (and his wife April) and Brittany Wetzel and four great-grandchildren, Brynn B. Wetzel, Hunter Wetzel, Briellen P. Wetzel and Riley Wetzel, and many nieces and nephews.

Laura was born in Republic Washington and graduated high school highest in her class as valedictorian, then graduated from Wenatchee Junior College in Republic and later continued on with her education and completed her Bachelor’s Degree and MBA from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. After Junior College, she started working at a radio station, KPQ, as a general secretary and quickly moved up to copy-writer bookkeeper; she was a go-getter. She then met a gentleman and U.S. Air Force engineer, Walton E. Brownell, Jr., and they were married on December 5, 1954, in Republic Washington. Laura moved to Xenia, Ohio, with him thereafter, where she had her three daughters and was a wonderful wife and mother raising her girls. She continued her success working in business at a law firm and college campus, then had a long and amazing career in the horticultural industry in sales, where she won many awards and established many long-term friends across the country. Later, Laura acquired a real estate license and was a successful realtor, until she retired.

Laura loved sewing, crocheting, writing, reading, cooking, baking and loved praying for her family and those around her and reading her bible and staying close to God. She also gave to many small and large charities. She was a true “prayer warrior”! She never met a stranger, had a great personality, and everyone who met her, felt her sincerity and love, and said she was truly beautiful on the inside and out.

While Laura’s family grieves her loss, we are choosing to remember her in a way that honors her special spirit and love for the Lord. She was loved by so many, touched many lives and always knew how to brighten someone’s day and make them feel loved and special. Our family says everything we do, see, and touch reminds us of her, she was everything good and her love is all around us. Proverbs 3:5-6 was one of her favorite scriptures which says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths”. She will be missed here on earth, but we know we will see her again.

Reflection – by Laura Elaine Brownell

As we awake the morn of the eve of our lives;

We see so clearly and feel so wise;

The many roads we’ve traveled stretch far behind;

Yet in a pensive moment, experiences come to mind.

A smile, a tear, a quickening in the soul;

To know that the sum of our lives makes us whole

Laura’s funeral will be a private ceremony for family members at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, Dallas, Texas.