BROWNING, Edith May

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona - 08/03/2004 Edith May Browning, 91, died July 28, 2004 at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborne Hospital in Scottsdale. She was born July 10, 1913 to William Louis Hall and Lizzie Leona Hall in Hopkins, Texas. The eldest of six children, Edith was the only girl. She married Caleb Boliver Browning Dec. 20, 1930. From this union came five children, Caleb Boliver Jr., Bessie Elizabeth, Dorothy Jean, Lynda Kay and Harvey Louis. The family resided in Fluvanna, Texas where they all worked as sharecroppers. In 1947 Boliver moved the family to Springerville, looking for a more prosperous life. Shortly after arriving in Springerville, Edith helped found the First Southern Baptist Church. She continued to attend and serve in that church until the day of her passing. During this time, Edith worked at the drycleaners and was a waitress in the local restaurant while Boliver went to work for the U. S. Forest Service. After Boliver's death Feb. 9, 1968, Edith did whatever was needed to support herself and her youngest son, Harvey Louis, who was 10 years old when his father passed away. She and Harvey raised red worms to sell to local bait shops and she always had fresh eggs for sale. She continued to work as a waitress at the restaurant and eventually went to work for the U.S. Postal Service and later retired with them. Edith never had just one job, but usually two or three. While retirement was good for Edith, she continued with other jobs. She sold Aloe Vera and Avon products until she was 87 years old when a broken hip put her into retirement for good. She enjoyed driving her car around town and taking many trips across the country. Most of all she enjoyed visiting with her many friends and acquaintances around the Round Valley area. Most people will remember Edithís smiling face and contagious laugh. On any given morning you could find her at the Safire Restaurant, drinking coffee and visiting. Always looking her best with her hair done up and makeup on and dressed to the hilt. She also will be remembered for her 40-weight gravy and hot biscuits, which she served often to guests in her home. Her life was devoted to God and her faith never swayed. She will be sorely missed in this community. Family and friends who knew her best will sorely miss her. Her parents and two brothers, William Odell and Herman Edward, three children precede her in death, Jr. Browning, Elizabeth Miller, and Harvey Louis. Her survivors include daughters Dorothy Clark and Lynda K. Palmer; three brothers, J.L. Hall, Loften Hall and William Hadley; 16 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; and many great-great grandchildren. Services for Edith were Monday, Aug. 2 at First Baptist Church, Springerville. Burnham-Jewkes Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.