Jerry Louis Browning

Our world is much richer, because we were blessed to have Jerry Louis Browning in our lives. Jerry began his earthly sojourn through life on September 10, 1945, in the Manchester Community of Arkadelphia. He completed his journey when his immortal spirit soared to its resting place on Thursday, April 26, 2012, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.

He was the fourth of eight children born to Mr. Nazree and Mozell Davis Browning. As a boy, Jerry proved to be full of life, strong and determined. Without prejudice, he eagerly used his charm and enormous sense of humor to lighten the heavy hearts of all he knew. He was certainly the type of person who could capture and keep your attention.

Nurtured in a Christian home in the close-knit Manchester community, Jerry learned the importance of working hard on the family farm, helping others, enjoying life and most importantly, putting God and family first. Those early lessons would fortify the essence of his legacy, as he would become known as everyone's friend.

In 1959 at the age of fourteen, he made a personal decision to accept Christ as his Savior at Piney Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church. Jerry continued in the pursuit of spiritual growth and service throughout his life. He was a faithful member who served on the trustee board, and class leader. Jerry knew that he didn't have the most melodious voice, but he faithfully participated with the Male Chorus and Father's Day Program.

Jerry was educated in Arkadelphia and was a graduate of Peake High School. He was one of the coolest, outgoing, tenacious, patient, straight forward and down to earth men that lived. Outspoken, Jerry Louis Browning "meant what he said and said what he meant'. There was never a dull moment when he was around and he never met a stranger.

Believing God's Word,"...and the two shall become one flesh..." he married the beautiful and sweet Charlotte Olanda Hathorn in St. Louis, Missouri. The Lord blessed this union with the birth of four children Brian, KaTandra, LaRoyce and Ciara. Together they laid a foundation for the family life based on love, commitment, and respect.

Jerry worked for the City of Arkadelphia for 15 years; supervisors, as well, as his co-workers remember him as a person who possessed a strong work ethic. He was dependable and a hard worker. He was known to tell some of the funniest jokes, but he took his job serious.

Family, as well as friends, will miss his quiet strength, smile and his laugh, but will never forget his spirit and compassion. Although Jerry lived what some may call a short life, those who were touched by him understood that the quality of his existence far exceeded the quantity of time many of us spent with him.

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