Mattie Francis Quarles-Browning

Mattie Franics was born September 10, 1921, in Dalark, Arkansas to the union of Eddie Lee and Florence Alexander Quarles. Mattie married Quincy Virgil Browning and to this union three children were born. The Browning family made her home in the Gum Springs Community. Together they made many sacrifices to raise and nurture their children. She was a faithful member of St. Ruth Baptist Church in Gum Springs and worked at the Arkadelphia Laundry and Cleaners. She was a member of the Eastern Star Universal Evergreen Verbena #192. Mattie was known to be an outspoken and charismatic person who never met a stranger. Due to her declining health she moved to Courtyard Gardens Health and Rehabilitation Center. She lived there for the last thirteen years and was affectionately know to “run” the place. After wonderful years of sharing life with Quincy, her devoted husband was called to glory on June 30, 1984 to be with the Lord. She was preceded in transition by her parents, a son Oliver Eugene Browning; two brothers, John Quarles and Ralph Quarles; seven sisters, Alberta Johnson, Nellie Joiner, Selma Murdock, Gertrude Carter, Earline Allen, Bennie Quarles and Stella Mae Puckett. She traded time for eternity on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at Courtyard Gardens Health and Rehabilitation Center in Arkadelphia, Arkansas with her daughters at her bedside. She leaves her memories with two daughters and sons-in-law, Beverly Ann and Freddie Harris of St. Charles, Missouri and Henrietta and Henry Wright of St. Louis Missouri; eight grandchildren, Frederick and Anissa Harris, Gregory, Michael and Natasha Wright, Stacy, Tracy and Wendy Browning; thirteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; one brother, Eddie Lee (Shevie) Quarles, Jr. of Dalark, and a special nephew, Lynn (Margirene)Jackson of Arkadelphia; a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Mrs. Browning will lie in repose in the funeral home on Friday, 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. The family will receive other relatives and friends 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. The Browning family have planned a rejoicing service of love and remembrance for Mrs. Browning on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ruth Baptist Church where Rev. Thomas Hale is the pastor. Rev. Charlie G. Thomas, Sr. will deliver the eulogy. The committal service and final resting place will be in Gum Springs Cemetery.