Larenza Browning

On December 16, 1947, Gladys Neal and Elijah Browning welcomed the birth of their eldest son, whom they named Larenza. Right away Gladys and Elijah knew that he would leave lasting impressions on those who crossed his path. Having been raised in a home that was full of joy, smiles and laughter; Larenza was quiet, playful and easy going. With those traits he won the friendship of many.At an early age he made a personal commitment to profess Christ. He joined Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church in Dalark where his grandfather, Rev. Johnny Neal was pastor. Larenza loved music and often sang with the choir, gospel male groups, as well as with his family. The Lord blessed Larenza with a melodious voice and he used his voice to bless others. His favorite song was “God Has Smiled on me”. He was a very meticulous and impeccable dresser. Larenza was suave and knew it. Larenza was a 1966 graduate of Sparkman Training School. He grew up to be a handsome and intelligent young man. He played the guitar with the Lite Flight band. He spent countless hours and days plucking away at his guitar striving for perfection. He married Evelyn Jones Browning and to this union two children were born.He was a great cook, he enjoyed dancing and singing. While in Grand Rapids he played the pitcher position for a co-ed softball team. He was a shift supervisor for BOSCH in Wyoming, Michigan for several years until he retired. He relocated to Arkadelphia and united with Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church under the pastorate of Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr. He later moved to Heritage in Hot Springs. His presence and welcoming smile stole the hearts of the staff, nurses and administration. As his health began to decline, he never lost his song. On queue he would sing any place and at anytime. On Thursday, March 16, 2017 he passed from this life to sing a song that will never end.He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother, Gladys Neal (May 18, 2008) and his father, Rev. Elijah Browning (March 3, 2015) and one brother, Bobby Neal. A lifetime of love and memories will be forever felt by his children: Michael (Karen) Jones of Arkadelphia, Shirley Henry of Mabelvale, AR, Shantell Williams of Dallas, TX, Gerald Browning of Arkadelphia and Christopher Browning of St. Louis, MO; his grandchildren, Rashonda (Jameel) Raheem, Marquis (Crystal) Browning, Breanna White, Shiya (Kemario) Anderson, Holly Browning, Quinaron White, Romeal White, Kaylen Jones and Damarcus Williams; 10 great-grandchildren; a sister, Doris (Larry) Wright of Fresno, CA, two brothers, Derrick Campbell of St. Louis, MO, Charles Fordson of Seattle, WA; Evelyn Browning of Arkadelphia, the mother of Michael, Shirley and Gerald; his step-mother, Mary Frances Browning of St. Louis, MO; a sister-in-law, Essie Neal of Little Rock, AR; aunts, Elsie Neal-Thrower of Grand Rapids, MI, and Ethel T. Kuykendall of Oakland, CA; two uncles, Arthur Neal of Grand Rapids, MI and Albert (Gracie) Neal of Arkadelphia. He also leaves nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.