Alice Browning

1940 - 2025

Alice Browning, 85, passed away on September 10, 2025, at Piedmont Hospital in Athens, Georgia. She was preceded in death by Barton, her husband of 57 years, who always said she "meant the world to him." She is survived by her children, Sarah Wolfe (Dodd) and George Browning (Charlene); her grandchildren, Emily Wolfe (fiancé, Ivan Campbell) and Alex Wolfe (fiancée, Elena Castro); and her sister, Dorothy Gillet-Yant (Georges).

Born August 23, 1940, in Joliet, Illinois, Alice was the daughter of Darst and Gail Yant. She grew up in Gillespie, Illinois, alongside her sister Dorothy, taking on family responsibilities after the early loss of their parents. She excelled in high school, graduating as valedictorian, and was recognized as a National Merit Scholar.

Alice began dating Barton in high school, and their relationship endured as she earned a bachelor's degree in English from DePauw University. Married in 1964, they moved to Berkeley, California, where Barton completed his Ph.D.. In 1969, Barton joined Penn State's German Department. They moved to State College, Pennsylvania, where they made their home and raised their children, Sarah and George, who both later graduated from PSU.

In the 1980s, Alice began substitute teaching-originally to keep an eye on her son-and continued for nearly 30 years. She was active in community life, serving as President of the University Women's Club and the United Methodist Women, and as a member of P.E.O. International and several bridge groups.

An artist at heart, Alice explored many painting styles and excelled in German folk painting (Bauernmalerei), which she studied in Germany during Barton's 1979 sabbatical.

For more than 50 years, she was a dedicated member of Park Forest Village United Methodist Church-teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir beside Barton, and contributing to countless church activities, especially manning the jewelry counter at the annual Bazaar.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Park Forest Village United Methodist Church in State College, Pennsylvania.

Memorial contributions may be made to Park Forest Village United Methodist Church, 1833 Park Forest Avenue, State College, PA 16803.