It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Clara A. Browning (Johnson), a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, friend on the morning of September 14, 2026 peacefully surrounded by family.

Clara was born on December 5, 1937 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Linton Johnson and Anna B. Rice. During her youth she would express an interest in dance and learned ballet. Clara was a 1955 graduate of Springfield High School and made history as the first African-American Homecoming Queen in the county. She also taught ballet to African-American children. Clara would go on to attend Miami, of Ohio and Central State Universities where she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha INC. Clara worked for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in the EEO Office for 30 years before retiring in 1994. She then went on to work for Sears Roebuck & Co. for another 10 years before retiring to a quiet life at home.

Clara devoted herself to her family and that legacy will continue through the generations. She leaves to cherish her children: Kristi Browning of Silver Spring, MD., Antoinette Russel of Fort Washington, MD, Lizette Browning, of Lexington, KY, Neal (Christina) Browning of Groveport, OH, Kurt Browning of Springfield, OH, Boyd Browning of Atlanta, GA, & Kent Browning of Springfield, OH. Sister, Karen Friend - (Doug) Crumlich of Douglasville, GA.

Grand Children, Rachael Browning of Lanham, MD, Robert Browning of Moraine, OH, Marcus Browning of Los Angeles, CA, Kanovva (Carlos) Jackson of Columbus, GA, Kurt (Rose) Fultz of Springfield, OH, Keyona Browning of Colorado Springs, CO, Lintonia Browning of Las Vegas, NV, Domineke Smith of Columbus, OH, Landon Browning of Lexington, KY, Aja Russel of Fort Washington, MD and Lane Browning of Lexington, KY. Clara also leaves to cherish twenty great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, A host of family & friends who will miss her very much. To know Clara was to know a unique, loving individual who would give the shirt off her back to anyone who needed it. She enjoyed dance, sports including basketball and the Olympics were her favorites. She was known for her famous pot roast and humble personality.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Anna B. Rice & Linton Johnson. Step-Father Robert L. Friend, Husband Kent L. Browning. There will be no services per Clara's request. The family will host a memorial at a future date.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in her honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.