Browning, Oleta M.

Oleta M. Browning, 90, of Bon Aire Mobile Home Lodge in Iowa City, died Friday, Jan. 15, 2010, at the Solon Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. The family will greet friends Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Iowa City. The memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at the church, with Pastor Denny Coon officiating. Private burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Iowa City.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Iowa City Hospice or St. Mark's Church.

Oleta was born June 26, 1919, in Athens, Texas, the daughter of Ezra B. and Pearlie Mae (Sims) Powell. Growing up in Oklahoma, she later moved to California, where she met her future husband. Oleta married Roy “Brownie” Browning Sr. on Oct. 20, 1948, in Las Vegas.

Moving to Iowa City in 1967, Oleta worked at Sears & Roebuck at Sycamore Mall for 14 years as head of receiving. She retired in 1981 to devote time caring for her grandchildren. She was a member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Iowa City. Oleta loved supporting her grandchildren's activities and attending their sporting events.

She is survived by her husband, Roy Sr. of Iowa City; daughter, Mary Setele of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; son, Roy Browning Jr. (JoEllen) of Iowa City; six grandchildren, Matt, Elizabeth, Donna, Jeff, Brad and Tricia; and five great-grandchildren, Zachary, Lauren, Jeffrey, Jonathan and Peyton.

Oleta was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Christina Brown; and a son-in-law, Jim Setele.

Online condolences for the family can be directed to