Carol Jane (Helwig) Browning

Carol Jane (Helwig) Browning, age 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Schneck Medical Center in Seymour with her loving family by her side. Mrs. Browning had a strong faith and was a lifelong and very active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Borchers, where she was baptized in Christ, confirmed in faith, and united in holy marriage to her husband, Floyd. Carol graduated from Cortland High School, where she was a “yell-leader”, and she spent several years working with the Cortland Alumni on their annual banquets. Carol began her career at the Five and Dime shop serving candy. With the help of her family, she later founded, co-owned, and was the shining face of Helwig Grain Elevator. She enjoyed making wonderful memories with all the farmers over her 50 years in the business. Following her retirement from the elevator, Carol continued to do the things she loved most, taking care of her pony Rosie, collecting antiques, gardening and lawn care, sewing, and spending time with her family. Carol was an avid adventurer and had a passion for vacationing with her husband, family, and their friends: Dee and Glen, and Betty and Art. She always encouraged her family to be adventurous by telling them to “Go, See, and Do it!”. She also enjoyed visiting her Amish friends and especially loved hosting holiday gatherings for her family at their home. Family was the center of Carol’s life. Her deep love for them was evident in all she did. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she will be remembered with love and missed by all who knew her. Born on April 3, 1936, in Seymour, Carol was the daughter of Oscar “Butch” and Goldie (Killian) Helwig of Cortland, both of whom preceded her in death. On April 24, 1955, she married the love of her life, Floyd Browning, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Borchers, and he preceded her in death on October 28, 2025. Besides her parents and her husband, Carol was also preceded in death by her brother, William Helwig; sister-in-law, Wilma Frische; and three brothers-in-law: James Browning, John Frische, and Don Gardner. Survivors include one son, Kenny (Teresa) Browning; one daughter, Kathy (Benny) Kleffman; grandchildren: Jeremy (Heidi) Kleffman, Toby Kleffman (Joy), Amy Kleffman, Katie (Greg) Wahlstrom, Pete (Jennifer) Browning, and Samantha (Tyler) Plumlee; great-grandchildren: Gus Kleffman, Cole (Harleigh) Kleffman, Gabe Kleffman, Stella Kleffman, Annie Kleffman, Lilly Wahlstrom, Levi Wahlstrom, Savannah Browning, Daxton Browning, Roman Browning, and Trey Plumlee; a great-great grandchild on the way; baby boy Kleffman expected May of 2026; sister-in law, Jane Gardner; and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Helwig. Funeral services for Carol Jane (Helwig) Browning will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Borchers, with Beth Sheedy officiating. Friends may call from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Borchers, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Borchers. Interment will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Borchers Cemetery. Memorials may be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Borchers, Don and Dana Myers Cancer Center, or Donor’s choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc. Online memories and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com

Carol Jane (Helwig) Browning

April 3, 1936 - December 26, 2025