John Cecil Browning

While attending school in Keller, he formed a friendship with Alma Litton Maddox who was born on July 9, 1888, the daughter of George B. Maddox and his wife, Pricie Wilkerson.  As the years passed, this relationship became a love affair.

John Cecil and Alma Maddox were married in the bride’s home at four o’clock on the afternoon of October 17, 1909.  The ceremony was conducted by Dr. Allen Lowery, minister of the Keller Church of Christ.  Their first home was on a farm about two miles west of Keller.  Later, they purchased a farm known as the Crites place and an area known now as Christ’s Haven for children.  In addition to farming, they operated a service station and also a grocery store.

Cecil and Alma were the parents of four daughters; Dorothy Deborah, Sarah Frances, Edna Marie and Ruby Pearl.  Being the eldest of four sisters in a family which there were no sons, Dorothy became her father’s helper with the farm work.  The younger sisters were more inclined to help their mother with homemaking chores.

Because the tractors had not yet replaced work stock, it was necessary that Dorothy learn how to drive a team of mules and plow a straight furrow.  When it was time to plant small grain, she had to master the art of riding the drill.  This she did with only one incident that barely missed being serious.  She accidentally put her foot too near a dangerous spot in the fast moving machinery and the toe of her shoe was cut off.

Work was an important part in the life style of this family, with ample time reserved for worship services at the Keller Church of Christ and for recreational activities.  Children and grandchildren recall trips in the pick up truck to Lake Texoma, Turner Falls in Oklahoma or perhaps a picnic at a road side park.  Cecil was also considered a top player in the game of croquet which was a popular pastime in Keller during the first half of the 1900’s.

John Cecil Browning died in his seventy first year, on May 31, 1959 and was buried in Bourland Cemetery.  His widow spent her remaining years in the home of her daughter, Dorothy Deborah Cranfill.  Alma L. (Maddox) Browning died on November 22, 1972 and was buried beside her husband.

Information and statistics on the descendents of John Cecil Browning and his wife,

Alma L. (Maddox) Browning:

1)      Dorothy Deborah was born on December 23, 1911.  She was married on October 6, 1934 to Orin Ray Cranfill, who was born on December 18, 1911 in Mountain Home, Arkansas.  He was the son of Henry Cranfill and his wife Lovie Elizabeth Reed.  Orin came to Tarrant County as a teenage boy, living first near Saginaw and later at Keller.  He and Dorothy became the parents of two children, Margaret Ruth and Billy Ray.

Margaret Ruth, born on June 19, 1935, was married on March 2, 1957 to Earl Cooper Kilborn.  Their children are Ronny Lynn, born April 26, 1962 and Carol Ann, born on May 16, 1964. 

Billy Ray Cranfill born on December 14, 1946 was married on October 17, 1969 to Donna Bryant.  Their children are Kristi Diane, born on May 15, 1970, Karen Denise, born on March 8, 1974 and Karla Dianne, born on June 20, 1977.

2)      Sarah Frances was born on July 8, 1916.  She was married first to Troy Grudger and second to Victor Piper.  She died in Maryland on May 16, 1976.

3)      Ruby Pearl was born on December 6, 1919, died on July 3, 1941, and was buried in Bourland Cemetery.

4)      Edna Marie Browning, born on September 12, 1925 was married on June 9, 1943 to Emmett Joe Lee.  Their children are Emmett Joe Jr. (Butch), born on September 15, 1944 and Cherlyn, born on March 21, 1957.