Wanda Browning

1938 - 2023

Wanda Browning, 84
Eminence
Wanda Browning, age 84, of Eminence passed away Sunday, March 5, 2023. She was born Nov. 11, 1938, in Gratz, Ky., and was the daughter of the late Nim and Pauline Smith. She graduated from Pleasureville High School in
1956 and it was there she met Marlyn Samuel Browning, the man with whom she would share 60 wonderful years. In her early years of marriage, she worked at Magruder and Wood Insurance agency. Then, after several years, she joined Marlyn at Browning Sinclair and later at their dealership, Browning Chevrolet in Eminence, where they both served their community and customers for over 60 years.
She is survived by one daughter; Marlene (Jason) Browning-Wainscott of Owenton, Ky., one son: Jeffrey L. (Helen) Browning of Pleasureville, Ky., two sisters; Nannie Elizabeth Presnell of Frankfort, Ky., and Wilma Louise Kinman of Carrollton, Ky., one brother; Oldham Smith of Owenton, Ky., three granddaughters, that affectionately called her "Granny"- Emily Browning (Joey Eberling), Sara (TJ) Kelley, Olivia (Matt) First, and one great-granddaughter, Emmy Kelley. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Marlyn Samuel Browning (2017),two sisters; Glenna Smith and Vera Margaret Towles, and three brothers; Manford Hayse Smith, Albert Lee Smith and Donald Winters.
She was a long-time, faithful member of the Pleasureville Baptist Church where she served many roles over the years, including Sunday School Teacher. Her entire life was devoted to her love for God and family. This love was reflected in both her words and deeds. One of her greatest attributes was her continued prayers for everyone that she knew (and did not know). She would say a prayer of thanks when things were good and say a prayer for healing when it was needed. She would pray for others when asked and most often, when no one, but God heard her prayers. If there was one thing that everyone knew about Wanda, she believed in the power of prayer.
For those that knew her, she was an excellent cook. Her expression of love was often presented in the form of her "signature" dishes. She made the best-fried chicken, pimento cheese, green beans and pecan pie that, despite our best efforts, will never be duplicated. Many have said that the "dash of her love" was the secret ingredient to each dish.
To her family and those that knew her, she humbly represented the honorable woman in Proverbs 31:25-31 (NIV):
"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
Through the grace that she showed and the love that she gave, Wanda left a beautiful legacy for her family and all that knew her. Each of her life's accomplishments reflected her love for everyone and dedication to faith and family.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Pleasureville Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Anderson and Rev. Richard Downing officiating. Interment was at the Pleasureville Cemetery. Active casket bearers were Joey Eberling, T.J. Kelley, Matt First, Shawn Bright, Paul Kinman and Bruce Trapp.
Memorial gifts may be made to Pleasureville Baptist Church Building Fund, 2749 Hill Spring Rd., Pleasureville, KY 40057, or Hosparus of Louisville, P.O. Box 35425, Louisville, KY 40232.