Laura J. Browning

Laura J. Browning, a life-long Scranton resident, passed away on Thursday after a long bout with numerous ailments. Her husband was the late Robert A. Browning, who passed away on August 29, 2011.  At the time of his death the couple had been married 64 years. 

Known before marriage as Laura Jean Thomas, she was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Thomas, she was also known and to others, especially family members, as “Jinx” or “Jinky.” Aunt Laura or Aunt Jinky to many, but “Mom” to her sons.   

Laura had a long and distinguished professional career as a secretary, office manager, and sales service representative, as well as insurance manager for her office.   Her final ten years of work were spent at Hospice of Northeast Pennsylvania, formerly Mercy Hospice. In retirement, Laura continued working part-time at various jobs and enjoyed traveling with her husband and friends, as well as entertaining at home.   All throughout her life, Laura was involved in all sorts of volunteer activities, both at church and elsewhere. Even in retirement, Laura and her husband took care of home-bound AIDS patients and helped out at the local soup kitchen.

Laura was a life-long Baptist, having been a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Scranton.

Laura was a loving wife, mother, aunt, and friend, who would do anything for someone in need, even perfect strangers at times. To the very end, she remained as active as her physical health would allow. She will be sorely missed by all, especially by her surviving son, John.

Laura is now in a much better place, in the presence of her Savior,  pain-free and surrounded by her loved ones who preceded her.

                                                     “Come, sweet death, come blessed rest!

I will now see Jesus

and stand among the angels.

It is henceforth completed,

so, world, good night,

my eyes are already closed.

Come, blessed rest.”

Since the death of her husband, Laura has resided with her surviving son, John, who was her sole caregiver.   Her other son, Robert A. Browning II, passed away just two weeks after his father, on September 12, 2011.

Services will be held Saturday at Noon in the Vanston and James Funeral Home 1401 Ash St. Scranton.

Friends may call from 11am until time of service.

Interment will be private in Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675 or by visiting http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital  501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or by visiting http://www.stjude.org

For directions, to share a memory of to leave a condolence please visit www.vanstonanadjames.com

2 Comments

  1. Alice Hocking

    Dear John:
    I’m so sorry for your loss and I would like to come to Laura’s memorial service, but I just can’t. I have no one to take care of Roger for the day. Laura was a real true friend and I will miss her dearly. If there is anything I can do for you, let me know. Also, if possible, can you save something of Laura’s that I can cherish–it can be anything. My heart is broken of her passing, but I know she’s in no more pain. Please keep in touch. Love, Alice and Roger

  2. Debbie Kosydar

    Dear John, I was sad to read of Laura’s passing. I worked with her for two years at Herff Jones. I enjoyed her dinner parties that she would host for us. I know she is in a better place! Sincerely, Debbie

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