Levonda Browning, 70, of Harts, West Virginia, passed away from heart failure on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

Born on August 30, 1955, in Kentucky to her mother, Emily Bearden, Levonda grew up dividing her time between the Detroit area with her mom, Emily Bearden, and dad, Ralph Bearden, and the family farm in eastern Kentucky with her grandparents, Effie and Roscoe Johnson. She cherished her childhood on the farm, surrounded by animals, working alongside her papaw, and cooking and creating with her Mamaw. She had a lifelong love for horses and found great joy in her horse, Bandit, while living in Michigan. From a young age, she expressed her creativity through drawing and painting, especially animals, flowers, and nature scenes.

As a teenager in Detroit, Levonda met her husband, Gory Browning. They married and built a life together, welcoming sons Tony in February 1974 and Clint in February 1977. The family lived in Belleville, Michigan, where Levonda attended cosmetology school and earned her license. She developed a strong reputation for her work with hair and especially her creative nail art, competing in shows.

In 1989, the family moved to Grove City, Ohio. Levonda and Gory opened a successful hair salon in Columbus, OH specializing in hair, nails, and tanning. Those years raising their sons and operating the business were among the happiest of her life. Later, she shared her artistic talents at the Mansfield Carousel, where she painted and detailed carousel horses and gave tours to visitors.

In retirement, Levonda and Gory returned to Harts, West Virginia. She enjoyed the peace of home, owning a horse again for a time, and caring for her beloved dogs—Lady, Blade, Cricket, Sassy, Ginger, Amber, and Jazmine—many of them strays she welcomed with open arms. Animals were naturally drawn to her kind and gentle nature.

Levonda’s greatest joy in life was her family, especially her children and grandchildren. She shared a deep, loving bond with her sons and took immense pride in the people they became. She also cherished the time spent with her grandchildren and found happiness in their personalities, laughter, and accomplishments. Whether creating art, sharing meals, talking, laughing, or simply being together, those moments meant the world to her. The love she had for her children and grandchildren was unconditional, steady, and central to her life.

Levonda was known for her strong personality. Sweet and kind, yet independent, she spoke her mind, fiercely defended her family, and faced life’s challenges with intelligence and resilience. She was a wonderful cook, and everyone enjoyed her meals and recipes, especially her famous potato salad. She had a strong faith and a personal relationship with God that was important to her throughout her life. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh and have fun with those around her. Above all, she found deep joy in the simple things—art, animals, the outdoors, and time spent with loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gory Browning; her son, Tony Browning; her grandson, Seth Patton; her sister-in-law, Belvie Evans; and her parents, Emily Bearden and Ralph Bearden.

Levonda is survived by her son, Clint (Megan) Browning; grandchildren Chanelle (Brendon) Wichterman, Coleman (Nikki) Browning, Logan (Alexis) Browning, and Sophia (Gabriel) Browning; great-grandchildren Avah Howell, Hazel Grace, Nora Rayne, and Paisley Faith; and a large extended family on both sides.

A celebration of Levonda’s life will be held this Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m at Freeman Funeral Home.

Services will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Freeman Funeral Home with David Browning officiating. Burial will follow at Browning Cemetery in Harts, WV.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Freeman Funeral Home, Chapmanville, WV is in charge of the arrangements.