Ora "Fern" Brownell

Ora Fern Davenport Brownell passed peacefully away in the early morning hours on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton, Georgia. She was 86 years old. Fern, as she was known, became the seventh of eight children born to William Plumer Davenport and Zilly Maude Smith Davenport on January 10, 1930 in Piedmont, Anderson County, South Carolina. Fern spent her growing up years, helping in the family garden, learning to cook, cleaning house and attending school, where she was a straight A student. Having grown up during the depression years, her family didn't have much especially after her father passed away. Her fondest memories of her childhood were visiting her grandparents' farm where she would help pick cotton and blackberries; and the Christmas she received her first store bought clothing, a pink blouse and denim skirt. A sudden summer storm one Fourth of July picnic brought Ernest Charles Brownell into her life. The two married on August 10, 1951 in Piedmont, South Carolina. The couple was blessed with three sons. In 1973, they moved their family to Sebring, Florida following Ern's service in the United States Air Force. Wanting to provide for her family, in case her husband didn't come back from the Vietnam War, Fern became a beautician. From childhood, this had been a dream of hers. Fern loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family was most important to her. She will be greatly missed by all. Fern is survived by her husband of 65 years, Ernest Brownell of Sebring, FL; sisters: Mary Taylor of Taylors, SC and Helen (Cecil) Stewart of Fountain Inn, SC; sister-in-law: Janice Presby of St. Cloud, FL; sons: Gary L. (Lucinda) Brownell of Hutto, TX, Donald G. (Janice) Brownell of Avon Park, FL and Glenn E. (Michael Clanton) Brownell of Temple, GA; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 4, 2016, 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home in Sebring. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Bougainvillea Cemetery in Avon Park, FL