Violet Browning

Violet Ann Kirkbride Browning went home to glory on Monday, June 8, 2020.  She was born December 20, 1940 to the late John “Jack” Thomas Kirkbride and Violet Aileen Laine Kirkbride.  Violet is also predeceased by her beloved husband, William Lee Browning.

What can be said about a life well lived? Violet Ann Kirkbride was ushered into this world amidst humble beginnings in the town of Saulte Saint Marie, Ontario, Canada. She was born at home in a house now known as “The Old Stone House.” She, her parents and siblings ventured down to the lower 48 states, settled in Missouri and became US citizens eventually making their way to Bellingham, Washington, which is where they grew up and thrived.

Violet met her beloved husband, Bill, at the sweet age of 13. Bill was playing basketball with Violet’s brothers when a beautiful young girl rode up on a horse with two of her friends, things were never quite the same after that. The young couple managed to spend as much time together as possible while eating popcorn and watching programs on the recently invented television with Violet’s brothers and the rest of her family. Eventually Bill graduated high school and enlisted in the Air Force and headed off to boot camp. While there he realized that life without Violet was not something he wanted, he contacted Violet’s father, Jack, and asked for her hand in marriage to be conducted upon his return to Bellingham. He received Jack’s blessing and Violet accepted Bill’s proposal. The young couple was married on May 7, 1956. She was 15 and he was 18. Bill and Vi, as she was known, began their lives in the military immediately after the wedding as they headed off to Rantoul, Illinois on Chanute Air Force Base. They traveled light as their only possessions were their few clothes, a pot and an electric frying pan without the lid. The young couple created an amazing life for themselves, being together for 64 years and having three wonderful children, six grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren and one great, great grandson. Violet was courageous, compassionate, generous, smart, fun and most of all very loving. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to whomever was in need.

Since Violet was so young when she married, she was limited in her knowledge of the basics required to make a home for her and her husband. She was a self-taught cook, and enlisted the help of two friends who were “good ole southern girls from Louisiana” one which taught her to fry chicken the southern way. Oh man! did she learn that well! Violet was well known for her fried chicken! That was usually the meal most requested by her children and family. She quickly learned how to cook and bake and maintain a wonderful home.

Violet had many talents, which seemed to bloom as time went on. She was not only an amazing cook and baker, but she was a talented seamstress, dog groomer, swimming instructor and excelled at anything she attempted to achieve.

Vi could plan a meal for many types of events including family gatherings, weddings, church events, celebrations and holidays. She decorated wedding cakes, birthday cakes and baby shower cakes. Her Thanksgiving turkey and dressing and Easter hams were amazing, always requested and hard to duplicate. Hopefully someone was able to get her recipes! Chocolate chip cookies, pies, especially her chocolate, strawberry rhubarb and mince meat pies, were especially delicious and in high demand. It didn’t matter if her shelves appeared bare and her refrigerator was empty, Vi could always place a delicious meal on the table for her family.

Sewing was a talent Violet acquired out of necessity for her growing family. She taught herself how to sew with precision and skill. Ballet tutus, Barbie clothes, dance and majorette uniforms were all a part of the many items she created. During the early ‘70s men’s leisure suits were all the rage; so, she managed to whip one up in light blue for her husband. He was so proud to wear that suit! She had two daughters who needed her expert touch to create their many prom and homecoming dresses, which she managed to achieve beautifully, some are still hanging in her closet today. She and Bill enjoyed square dancing and traveling throughout the United States attending square dance conventions. She created the many square dance ensembles for both her and her husband and her daughter and son-in-law, Vickie and Van. Her granddaughters were the recipients of the many dresses created from taffeta and satin for special occasions such as Easter and Christmas.

During the last few years Violet was able to use her sewing talents for the benefit of others. She connected with a group of ladies who met one Friday a month to make hats for cancer patients. The group is known as “Care Caps.” What a wonderful way to share a talent!

Violet enjoyed swimming. She became a Red Cross swimming instructor and earned her life saving certificate. Baseball and bowling were sports that Violet also enjoyed. Violet loved to bowl and joined a bowling league while stationed at the Little Rock Air Force Base, her bowling average was around 265.

Violet was a girl scout when she was a young girl in Bellingham and became involved in scouting with her children.

Violet was devoted to her children and was active in their upbringing in church. She and Bill were youth directors at the Base Chapel and Sylvan Hills United Methodist Church. They organized church camps and Violet was the life guard assigned to watch the campers. Violet and Bill were members of the Pairs and Spares Sunday School Class and active members in the United Methodist Church. Violet was an active member of the United Methodist Women’s Group. She loved to play the bells in the church bell choir. Violet was a Band Booster at Sylvan Hills Junior High and High School and frequently chaperoned on the band buss during football season. Violet was an active member and an officer in the NCO Wives Club on the base.

Violet groomed dogs for many years with her close friend, Billie Howard, at a grooming shop they shared together known as Pooch Groom Parlor. She continued grooming dogs after being transferred to South Dakota and upon returning to Arkansas, she opened her own shop. Overall, she groomed dogs for about 30 years.

Violet was very creative. She enjoyed making ceramics with her daughter, Nancy, and working with Bill creating and painting many items made from wood. Together they made quilt racks, reindeer, Pilgrim figurines and many other items.

Violet made friends easily she was always friendly and approachable and never met a stranger. She met someone at the book store and started a longtime friendship with her, even meeting her at their favorite Chinese food restaurant.

Violet’s life was full and rich. She loved traveling with lifelong friends such as, Pat and Royce Flynn, Evelyn and Keith Farnham. She enjoyed camping, swimming, fishing and water skiing with Gary and Billie Howard and her family.

Today we celebrate the life of Violet Ann Browning and cherish all of the memories we have of her life with us. We rest assured that Violet is with her Savior and her beloved husband, Bill. While we miss her greatly, we have peace knowing she is home.

Memorials may be made to the Sylvan Hills United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.

Funeral service will be held at 10:45AM Monday, June 15 at Smith Sherwood Funeral Home (7700 Hwy 107). AR COVID-19 directives: Face coverings required. Maintain social distancing.