Open house marks Manor UMs’ 100th birthday

 

By Carla T. Mayfield
A member of Manor UMC who has spent her life in Travis County celebrated her 100th birthday Nov. 25.
Julia Browning, currently living outside Pflugerville, was born Julia McLaurin in 1906 in the Hornsby Bend area near Webberville. For many years she was a teacher in Manor.
Browning’s church family had an open house in Fellowship Hall Nov. 12 to celebrate her birthday.
“She’s been such a big part of people’s lives,” said longtime friend and church member Pat Anderson. “It’s important that she’s honored for the contribution she’s made.
“She always has a smile and kind word for everyone. I love her sweet nature. She always has a positive attitude.
“I feel she has been an inspiration and example of a godly woman to many young women during her lifetime. She sincerely enjoys life and the people around her and credits her Creator for the life she has enjoyed.” 
At the party, donations were accepted for a scholarship in Browning’s name to be given to a 2007 Manor High School graduate. The scholarship is intended specifically for a student planning to pursue a career in education.
Browning’s friends marvel at her remarkable memory and interesting conversation and independence.
One word that came up again and again when talking to Browning’s friends was “active.” Browning has always been active in her community.
She is a member of Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs. She has attended the Manor UMC for decades.
At the church she has served on committees, participated in the quilting group, sung in the choir and taught adult Sunday school classes.
She still attends weekly church services as well as special events such as a recent church bazaar.
She drove herself to church well into her 90s but lately has begun to get a ride with friends Earl and Jan Tucker.
Mrs. Tucker, her friend since the 1960s, said of Browning, “She has influenced my life in the most beneficial way. She’s a lady. She’s intelligent. She’s everything a woman should be. She sets a great example.”
Anderson said Browning “emulates the Christian way inside and out and is truly a wonderful person.”
In 1929 Browning married Manor farmer and rancher Worley Browning. The couple remained together more than 50 years until his death.
To train for her career, Browning first went to Southwest Texas Teachers College in San Marcos for a certificate. She then went to The University of Texas at Austin for two years to earn a degree.
She later went back to school for a master’s degree in education.
Browning’s first teaching position was at the Cottonwood School, which was a county school. She taught children of all ages in one room. She would go there early in the morning to build a fire in the stove.
For the bulk of her career, she taught fifth grade in the Manor School District, retiring in 1971.
Browning taught generations of Manor residents. Former students often recognize her and come up to give her hugs or to ask if she remembers them.
Longtime friend Edith Harding once attended a class reunion with Browning for Manor students from the 1950s. During the event many students flocked around Browning.
“She is very well known and well liked,” Harding said.
One former student said that Browning always commanded respect in the classroom through her dress and demeanor. She never needed to raise her voice and always remained quiet and even-toned with the children.
Another former student, Mary Ann Parker, described Browning’s classroom presence as, “Always very kind, yet very strict. You knew you were there to work.”
After a rich and eventful century, Browning continues to touch lives in her community. When asked for advice on how to live well, Mrs. Browning replied, “Put God first. That has always been my philosophy.”