Lydia Starnes Browning

Lydia Starnes Browning of Drexel passed away on September 17, 2026, to meet her Lord and Savior. This is something that she had looked forward to for many years. In the last months of her life on this earth, she often mentioned her desire to see her mother and sisters.

Lydia was born in Alexander County, North Carolina, July 27, 1926 to the late Carl Starnes and Ethel Richie Starnes. She was the fifth of eight children.

Lydia was employed by the Pilot Hosiery Mill of Valdese for 10 years and retired from Shadowline of Morganton after 23 years of service.

In addition to her parents, Lydia was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Jack Browning Other family members who proceeded her in death included her sisters, Claressie Stamey, Willie Leona Baker, Eda Mae Brittain, Daisy Starnes, and Rosanna Starnes, and brothers Eugene Starnes, and Norris Starnes. After her retirement she took on the role of caretaker for her sister, Rosanna and for many years she happily saw to it that Rosanna wanted for nothing.

Those left to cherish her memory are her nephews Charles Ray Brittain, Mike Starnes, and niece Denise Denton; also her stepdaughter, Dusty Pressly (Johnny) as well as many friends.

Lydia’s life was dedicated to loving her church and caring for her husband Jack and her sister Rosanna.

A celebration of Lydia’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at First Assembly Ministries (FAM Church, 1955 US 70 E, Morganton, NC) with Rev. John White and Rev. J.D. Mallory officiating. The graveside service will follow Burke Memorial Park.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.