Vivian Browning

Vivian Lea Cookston Grant Browning, 83, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in Hillsboro, Oregon.

Born March 11, 1943 in Bryson City, NC, she was the daughter of the late William Cromwell and Blanche Welch Cookston. Her family moved to Oregon in 1950, where she lived until marrying Joe in 1959. When their first two children were young, they headed to the East Coast, where they settled in Maryland. Vivian was married to Joseph James Grant for 52 years, and to her second husband, Patrick Hinkson, for 16 months, until the time of his death. She has been married to her devoted husband, Chester M. Browning, for 12 years.

Vivian was fun-loving and full of life, as her name implies. She radiated the joy of the Lord, and of life in general. She enjoyed gospel music, playing the piano, and singing, and had an unwavering faith in God. She was an avid student of the Bible and was active in various types of church ministry throughout her life. As a compassionate giver, she spent considerable time helping others with whatever they might need. An avid gardener, she loved caring for her vegetable and flower gardens, with Irises being a favorite. Vivian was a committed mother who enjoyed her children, and as the years moved on, their children.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, William Cromwell and Blanche Welch Cookston; her husband, Joseph James Grant, husband, Patrick Hinkson; a sister, Janice Wallace; a son, Steven David Grant; and recently a grandson, Nicholas D. Angradi.

Surviving are daughters Deanna and Ron Smith of Gettysburg, PA, Laura and Lonnie Mullen of Littlestown, PA, and Julia McClatchy of St. Augustine, FL; son Philip and Cindy Grant of McKinney, TX, and daughter-in-law, Amanda Grant of Gettysburg, PA; sisters Jean Wells of Hood River, OR, Brenda and Mel Bracken of Gresham, OR, Donna Jones of Shreveport, LA, Kathy and Mike Milhauser of Canby, OR; brothers Howard and Charlotte Cookston of Cornelius, OR, Randall and Colleen Cookston of Rawlins, WY, and Doug and Diane Cookston of The Dalles, OR; 18 grandchildren, and 37 great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 6-8 p.m. at MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME, P.A., 136 E. Baltimore St., Taneytown (21787). Visitation will also be on Friday May 22, 2026, at 1p.m. at First Baptist Church, 1015 Chambersburg Rd., Gettysburg, PA with a Funeral Service beginning at 1:30 p.m. Pastors Carl Harris and Garry Shaeffer will be officiating. Interment will be at Emmitsburg Memorial Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to www.myersdurborawfh.com.