Mabel Irene (Weasel) Browning passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Wabash Senior Living and Rehabilitation in Carmi, Illinois. She was born on July 17, 1932, in Enfield, Illinois, the daughter of Rev. Charles “Jack” and Autha (Downen) Weasel. Mabel married Lowes “Louie” Browning on August 19, 1950, and they shared almost 71 years of marriage before his passing on August 18, 2021.
Mabel was always interested in serving the community of Carmi, and was a member of the Cherry Street General Baptist Church since 1966. She was a supportive pastor’s wife wherever they were called to serve. She played the piano, the organ, taught the children’s church and Sunday school. Wherever the need happened to be, she was always there willing to help.
Mabel stood by Louie’s side as he pastored many general baptist churches in this area for more than 50 years. Louie was the pastor of the Little Chapel Church near Eldorado at the time of Gayla’s accident. Mabel was always sure that God sent them there for a particular reason. That church family was the most supportive and loving group of people, and helped the Brownings get through the most trying time in their life.
She worked for the law firm of Conger & Elliott for 35 years. At the same time, she helped to see that many meals were served to the residents of Carmi through the Steak House. The Artistic Beauty Lounge and Angel’s Halo were two beauty salons owned by the Brownings during their lifetime. Mabel did nails for the ladies at the Artistic Beauty Salon during the earlier years.
Mabel is survived by her son, Thomas Browning of Carmi; a granddaughter, Michele (Kenny) Windle; two great-grandsons, Stone and Jackson Windle; a sibling, Kenneth (Louise) Weasel; and several nieces, nephews and friends in Christ. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two children, Jerry Deane and Gayla Joan Browning; and four siblings, Hobert Weasel, Ruby Carlton, Valeda Clevenger, and Neva Embree.
Funeral services for Mabel Irene Browning will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Cherry Street General Baptist Churchin Carmi, with burial at Kuykendall Cemetery. Family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi and on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. until service time at 10:30 a.m. at Cherry St. General Baptist Church . In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cherry St. Food Pantry or St. Jude Children’s Research, and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi, who is in charge of arrangements. Donations may also be mailed to 609 W. Main St. Carmi, IL. 62821
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