Frances Eugenia “Genie” Balliew Browning, 82, of Beaumont died Monday October 3, 2011, in Beaumont in the peace and comfort of her home. She was born in Dallas, Texas on January 10, 1929, to Emory Farrell Balliew and Birdelle Buckner Balliew. A member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and choir for over forty years, she was also active in the Beaumont Interfaith Choral Society, The Melody Maids and The Beaumont Civic Opera.
Mom’s life revolved around her family, friends, her music and her church. The Latin words “Qui cantat, is orat!” (He who sings prays twice) were used by St. Augustine underlining the power that music has in worship. Music permeated mom’s life. Both early and late in life, her love of God and her church were an important part of her being. From being a co-chair of the St. Mark’s Chili supper in the 1970’s to most recently a volunteer at the Treasure House and helping with meals for the homeless as long as she was physically able, her church and her friends at church were an integral part of her life. A special thanks to her informal lunch and social group for being an important part of mom’s life in later years.
She is survived by her three children, Debbie Thornal and her husband, Hil of Austin, Rette Browning of Beaumont, and Mark Browning and his wife, Nancy of College Station; sister-in-law, Pat Balliew of Corpus Christi; grandchildren, Alicia Marrs and her husband, Brandon, Kendall Browning, Andrew Browning and Whitney Browning; one great grandchild, Benjamin Marrs; and her dear friend, Harriet Wiggins of Beaumont.
Her memorial service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 7, 2011, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 680 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, with an enichment to follow in St. Mark’s Columbarium, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A reception will follow her service in the Cloister at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Music Fund, 680 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77701.
