Frances H. Browning, Geyserville native, worked in special education

Frances H. Browning, 87, passed away peacefully at home
Saturday, May 29, 2004, alongside husband William Browning. The two
were married for 62 years. Frances was born on May 10, 1917 in
Geyserville, graduated from Santa Rosa High School, Santa Rosa
Junior College and San Francisco State with a degree in teaching.
She married Bill, her high school sweetheart, on January 9, 1942,
just prior to his shipping out to serve in the Army Air Corps in
China during World War II. Frances taught in several districts in
the state, but after starting their family, she was the first
teacher selected to teach special education. She continued to teach
in special education at Steven Irwin until the final two years of
her career took her all over the state introducing and testing a
program to better meet the educational needs of these special
students. She was a lifetime member of the Christian Church and a
founding member of the First Christian Church on West Steele Lane.
Frances is survived by her loving husband William Browning, son
David and his wife Judy, son William, son James with his wife
Janet, as well as 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A
graveside committal service was held on Friday, June 4, 2004 at the
Veterans Patio of Santa Rosa Memorial Park. A memorial service was
also held on Friday, June 4 at the First Christian Church in Santa
Rosa. Those desiring may make donations to the Special Olympics in
Frances’ memory.