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Janice A. Browning

Passed 03/20/2026

Obituary For Janice A. Browning

Janice Alfreda Harper Browning was born on September 22, 1955, in Lexington, South Carolina, to the late Vera G. Harper and Joseph E. Harper. She peacefully transitioned from this life on March 20, 2026.


Janice was raised in Union, South Carolina. She briefly relocated to Connecticut before returning home, where she established deep roots in her community. She graduated from Union High School in 1973 and, in that same year, was named First Runner-Up in the Miss University of South Carolina Union (USCU) pageant.


A woman of dedication and service, Janice devoted much of her life to her family, education, and caregiving. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Business from the University of South Carolina Union. She began her career teaching primary students at Union County Head Start and Carlisle-Santuc Elementary School, and she also served as a school bus driver for Union County Schools.


Later, she pursued her calling in healthcare, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) from Cherokee Technology Center. For 19 years, she served as a dedicated nurse, most recently as a Nursing Supervisor at Ellen Sagar Nursing Home. Following her nursing career, she joined her father in the family business and served as Chief Financial Officer of Divine Mortuary.


Janice had a deep passion for service and community involvement. She was actively engaged in her faith at Bethel AME Church, where she faithfully served as a steward, sang in the choir, and worked on the finance team. She also enjoyed playing softball and was an active participant in the church league.
Janice was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Vera G. Harper.


She leaves to cherish her loving memory: her children, Fadetra (Marcus, Sr.) Foster and William Joseph Browning; her grandchildren, Marcus Foster, Jr., Marjorie Jaleah Foster, and Jayla (Jaylen) Cain; and her great-granddaughter, Alyzah Cain. She was lovingly raised alongside family members: Emma Garner, Wanda Jenkins, William (Minnie Ruth) Harper, and Reggie Harris.


She is also survived by her extended family: Freddie (Michelle) Browning, Rosa Kershaw, Delgracier (James) Parham, Robert (Bundy) Browning, Mary Browning, Andrea Smith, Deloris Browning, and Winifred Browning; along with a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and dear friends who will continue to honor her legacy.


Janice will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her commitment to service, and the love she poured into her family and community.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Pacolet River Baptist Association. Burial will be in the Rosemont Cemetery, Union, SC.

Public viewing will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. at The John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel, Spartanburg, SC.

Visitation and receiving friends will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at The John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel, Spartanburg, SC.

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Darius D Dillard sent The Loving Light Dishgarden for Janice A. Browning - March 28, 2026

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My sincere condolences to the Harper family. Love and prayers for strength to endure this devastating loss. May the love and precious memories keep her close.

Lizzie Smith

My prayers are and sincere condolences for the family. Jan was funny, sweet, and loving. I enjoyed the time we worked together, as all the others times we shared together. I know this isn't an easy task but I do know God doesn't make any mistakes. Continue to be strong and leaning on our Father to get you through this part of life's journey.

Rev. Patricia Booker

My Auntie was a sweetie soul that welcome you with love ever time you was in her presence, will be truly missed. Dee / JayBird and family I Deeply send condolences on passing of mom.

LJay (Kenyatta Browning Sr.)

Jayla and family may the memories of your love one bring you comfort during this difficult time. Keep trusting and believing in the Master, He will give you all the strength to endure.

Mary L.Cain

I love you Auntie 💓 it's Nephew Redd 💕 God got you ❤️ 🕊️ 👑 🌹 🌺

Redd ♥️

Woke up today, picked up my phone and opened FB to news I cannot say that I would ever be ready to see. A dear sweet loving child of God has been called Home! Recently I ran into Dee and we talked about you. Now you are gone and I want to kick myself for not coming by lately and let you know I still love you and see if I could help with anything. All my love & prayers are with your children, grandchildren and loved ones who I am sure loved you deeply just as I know you loved them. You never missed a single moment to boast about them and proudly tell everyone about them all and of all the love you had for each one of them.

I had the pleasure of meeting Janice through my job at Ellen Sager Nursing Home many years ago. We were blessed with a great crew that worked 2nd shift together. We had so many wonderful memories together with much laughter, a lot of singing (because someone had to brighten the nights sometimes), moments of saving Janice from a resident who tend to sneak and take the pill crusher (aka HAMMER) so to attempt to chase her or anyone nearby wearing scrubs all over the facility trying to hit someone with it. We may have even had a few minor moments of disagreements, but seldom did anyone harp on it if so because Janice wasn't having it! She would put that tiny foot of hers down and tell you right quick to let it go and don't pick it back up! We even had moments of crying but when we did, we often did that together too because that's what families do and for us that's exactly how we all felt about each other! We were family who loved our job, we loved our patients and we especially loved those we were blessed to work it with.I have missed working with that particular group I called family! Unfortunately as time goes on things happen and one by one for 1 reason or another our crew became smaller until we were all living our lives in different directions. Years has passed, and even a few of our loved ones have too. Well no matter how many years goes by, I will always cherish the time spent with that close knit work family and hold many memories of us all together close to my heart. Janice, you were a child of the Lord who walked in His light daily being a huge inspiration and example for all who were blessed to have met you. An awesome, loving and caring nurse who gave your patients your all and then some was who you were. An inspiration to us all by the life you lived in servitude of the Lord. Janice, you will be forever missed here on this Earth. I am sure Alisha & Crystal has you rolling up there in Heaven! Keep each other company until the rest of The Crew meet with you guys up there one day. Oh, one last thing. Janice, if I don't remember all the many important things you tried so hard to teach me, I promise you that I will not ever set on the sidewalk when it's cold outside. Like you always said, no one wants pleurisy of the Rump!!! After the way you described that to me each winter and what it would feel like to get that, I know I definitely don't ever want it!!!!

Love & prayers to the family during this difficult time and the too quiet moments that will come to y'all from time to time on down the road. If ever there is anything we can do to make life easier, please don't hesitate to reach out.

All Our love, Leslie & Andy Wetmore

Leslie Wetmore

I am so sorry to hear of Janice's passing.

Larry Walton

Larry Walton

Sending heartfelt condolences and prayer to Janice family. I pray that God will bless you all during this time or bereavement.

SANDRA FLEMING MACON

To Joe Harper and family, my deepest condolences are extended to you all during this very difficult time. May God keep you sustained. Janice will truly be missed.

Larry Hobson

Janice was a special lady. We both worked at Ellen Sagar. She was a great nurse. ❤️

Judy lawson

Condolences to the family. God bless you and keep you in your times of need.

Juanita Browning Stevens

I'm sorry for your loss! Janice was a wonderful person! I enjoyed working with her at Divine Mortuary. She always had something funny to say. She will certainly be missed. May God bless you all during this difficult time and may He bless you with the strength that you will need to face the days that lie ahead. Mr. Harper, I have always heard that it is very difficult to bury your child. I pray that God will take care of you during this difficult time. We just don't think about having to undertake this task. Please know that my prayers are with you and the family! Sincerely, Ricky Fernandez

Ricky Fernandez

Our Aunt Janice was a beautiful, kind soul who will be truly missed. Her greatest passion was her children and living life to the fullest. Our hearts, minds, and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. We trust in the Almighty and His word for comfort and strength. 🕊️

Don & Pam Browning

Jan was a sweet , welcoming and humble person to me. Her smile was genuine I will miss her.

Miranda Foster

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC

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