Janice Manning "Jan" Browning

1935 - 2024

Janice Manning "Jan" Browning Nashville - Janice Manning "Jan" Browning, age 88, celebrated her homecoming with her Lord and Savior on Friday, June 28, 2024. Born in Beaufort County, NC on November 19, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Elbert Nathaniel Manning and Susan Virginia Peele Manning. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Dr. John Robert Browning, Jr.; her son, Rev. Marvin Tim Browning; her son-in-law, Dr. Charles Marshall Coats; and her brothers, Mac Edwin Manning, Sr. and James Suggs.

Jan graduated from UNC-Greensboro in 1958 and began her career as a music teacher for both the Pendleton County School District in Kentucky and Nash Rocky Mount Public School Systems until her retirement after 33 years, touching the lives of many students throughout her career. Above all else, she loved her Lord and dedicated all of her accomplishments to his glory. A woman of great faith, Jan was a member of First Christian Church of Rocky Mount for over 50 years where she was also a past choir director for 27 years. Additionally, she was also the choir director at Englewood Methodist Church and served on the Christian Women's Fellowship Regional Board as worship chairman and was the Regional President for 2 years. Throughout her musical career, she directed multiple choruses, musicals, operas, and worked with the Debuettes for 8 years both directing and playing for various balls and events. A dedicated and loving preacher's wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and dear friend to many, Jan will be forever loved and deeply missed.

Jan is survived by her daughter, Susan "Beth" Coats; her two grandchildren, J.C. Coats and Laura Winstead and husband, Shane; her great-grandsons, Brayden Winstead and soon to arrive, John-James Marshall "J.J." Winstead; and her nephews, nieces, and extended family members.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Jan's life will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with her grandson, Pastor J.C. Coats, officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.