Mary Nell Tidwell Browning was born in Tyronza, AR to the late Ira and Nancy Ellen Robertson Tidwell on January 13, 1921. She was the sixth of nine children. Mary Nell departed this life on December 14, 2013 at the McNairy County Health Care Center at the age of 92 years, 11 months, and 1 day. She was a lifelong resident of the Lawton Community.
Mary Nell was united in marriage to Enloe Browning on February 7, 1935. He preceded her in death on April 15, 1976. She was co-owner of The Fabric Center in Selmer from 1963 until 1974. She did volunteer work and later returned to work at the McNairy General Hospital dietary department for several years.
Mrs. Browning was a member of Clear Creek Baptist Church for almost 80 years. She served as Church Clerk, Sunday School Teacher, WMU Leader, Choir Member, on the Flower Committee, the Homecoming Committee, along with other committees. She loved her church and was a devoted member.
She was a member of the Lawton Ruritan Club, Lawton Fire Department, and the RSVP and FEC Clubs. She loved working the elections, was an avid outdoor lady and was always ready for an adventure. She loved to travel and the mountains.
Mary Nell loved her family and friends. She was a good cook, she loved to laugh, and always had a smile. Her favorite songs were Sentimental Journey, Yellow Rose of Texas, Snowbird, and The Tennessee Waltz. Her favorite hymn was How Great Thou Art. Everyone knew of her love for flowers and her favorite color red.
She is survived by two sons, Larry Browning and wife Linda of Selmer, TN, Terry Browning and wife Teresa of Lakeland, TN; four grandchildren, Jeffrey Browning, Melinda Browning Morgan, Joel Browning, Kelsey Browning; two great grandchildren, Matthew Browning, Allyson Browning; a daughter-in-law, Elaine Browning of Selmer; a favorite niece, Lois Templeton and a host of extended family and friends.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Browning was preceded in death by two sons, James Robert Browning, Charles Kenneth Browning; two sisters, Geraldine Rich, Norma Miller; five brothers, Orville Tidwell, John Tidwell, Dick Tidwell, Worley Tidwell, Hurley Tidwell.