Joann Mae Browning

Mrs. Joann Wilde-Browning, 94, of Ocala, Florida, fell asleep in Christ on January 16, 2024, within the loving care of her daughters Barbara Wilde-Anderson, Sharron Wilde-Salisbury, and stepdaughter Betty Browning-Earley. She was also held in the prayers of her sons living out of state, Gary and Jeffrey Wilde. Joann was born to Alvin and Gertrude Allen, on July 25, 1929, in the farming community of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. She grew up doing the daily farm chores with her parents and four siblings.

In her early twenties, Joann earned a teaching degree and took up the joy of shaping young minds in a one-room schoolhouse, grades One through Eight. Years later, she built a career in education administration, serving as secretary to the principal of Union Park Junior High and then as administrative assistant to the dean of Engineering Technology at the University of Central Florida. She survived her first husband, Harry Wilde, and remarried to the late Ben Browning—both men of beloved memory to her children and their progeny. Joann's later years were spent in the sunny warmth of central Florida, knowing the love of her many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren (and a succession of her always-present, affectionate cats).

Joann was active in the life of the Church wherever she lived, having been brought up in the Baptist faith and later entering the Anglican Communion. In all situations she would tell you that Christ was her Lord because, in the words of her favorite hymn of praise, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness!"

The family will receive friends for a visitation from 11:30am — 1:00 pm on Monday, January 22, at Baldwin Fairchild at Chapel Hill, 2420 Harrell Road, Orlando, FL 32817. The funeral service will follow at 1 pm culminating with a graveside service in Chapel Hill Cemetery and a family meal. Flowers in Joann's memory may be sent through https://dignity.preferredflorist.com/