Phyllis Ann Browning's Obituary
Browning, Phyllis A., age 84, of Lebanon, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at home surrounded by family.
Phyllis was born in War Creek, KY, to Matt Gross and Zelda (neé Stevens) Gross. She graduated from Breathitt County High School, class of ’59. Following graduation, she moved to Ohio in 1959, where she was a kind, caring, compassionate, and hard-working lady. She was known for her “full throttle” way of life. She worked at Perry’s Restaurant as a cook and server. Serving many people in the community, including the Warren County Sheriff’s Department, who would call and say, “Tell that briar hopper to have my breakfast ready”. After that, she worked as a cook for Lebanon City Schools. She then moved to Lebanon High School as a lead custodian. She retired in 2000, after 31 years of service. In addition, she worked two jobs simultaneously, including at the Lebanon Laundromat and babysitting for local families in the community. She did all of this while being a single mom, raising three girls, and never complaining.
Phyllis was inducted into the Lebanon City Schools Hall of Fame in 2005 and, in addition, received an award for working with kids with disabilities and troubled youth. She participated in and supported the Relay for Life, being a survivor from melanoma skin cancer herself. Phyllis was a champion at always being at the right place at the right time, during both the good and the bad journeys of life. She had a deep faith and was known for being a prayer warrior for her family and friends, especially when it came to “miracle babies” of “God sent children.” She was a faithful member of Dodds Pentecostal Church, in Waynesville. Every Sunday after church, she enjoyed going to her mom’s house and spending time her and the rest of the family that also cherished this time together.
Family was everything to Phyllis. She loved being with them whenever she had the chance. She loved to camp with her family, especially at Rocky Fork, Boonsboro, Cowan Lake, Caesar’s Creek, and Pigeon Forge. Gardening and canning vegetables from the summer harvest were other passions; she especially enjoyed canning tomatoes and half-runners. She was extremely talented with her hands and could create beautiful quilts and crochet Afghans that will always be treasured by her loved ones. Going to garage sales and finding the best bargain was a challenge she was always willing to take on. Decorating for Christmas was a must, and she looked forward to it each year. She enjoyed listening to Southern Gospel Music. Over the years, she had gathered a collection of Longenberger baskets. She was an amazing cook and could make a meal out of anything. She was a very creative meal preparer. She will always be remembered for her grilled cheese, deviled eggs, biscuits and gravy, and macaroni and tomatoes.
She was a very hard worker, helped others who were less fortunate, even though she didn’t have a lot herself. She loved being outdoors, sitting on her sun porch, and visiting with friends. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will miss her very much. They are comforted by the fact that she loved the Lord and is now in his presence.
Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Roberta McIntosh, Wanda Gross, and Sharon Gross; and one brother, Nelson Gross. She is survived by her three daughters, Teresa (Kyle) George, Bobbie Elaine Vires, and Sarah (John) Sergent; five grandchildren, Zach (Sally) George, Hunter (Logan) George, Autumn (Denis) Hicks, Taylor Sergent, and Kaitlyn Sergent; three great-grandchildren, Jacob Hicks, Hudson Hicks, and Henslie George; two sisters, Faye Hollon and Flora (Sam) Noble; sister-in-law Shirley Gross- Johnson; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; church family; and special friends.
Special thanks to the Hospice of Middletown for the care that they provided for Phyllis and her family.
Celebration of life service will be 12 pm, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. Phyllis loved bright colors. Please feel free to dress in bright clothes to celebrate her life. Jay Osborn will be officiating. Burial will be at Miami Cemetery in Corwin. The family will receive friends from 10 am - 12 pm on Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Middletown (4418 Lewis St. Suite B, Middletown, Ohio 45044); Lebanon City Schools (160 Miller Rd, Lebanon, Ohio 45036); or The Ranch Adult Day Habilitation Center (980 Old 122 Rd, Lebanon, Ohio 45036). Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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