Alicia Susan Browning (Plainview)

Alicia Susan Balios Browning went into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on September 13, 2024, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” This is how Alicia lived her life—she shined so bright and glorified God in everything she did.

Alicia was born on August 16, 1964, to John and Linda Balios. She graduated from Coronado High School and eventually pursued a career in cosmetology. She then owned and operated a salon in Lubbock for several years. Later, she obtained a degree in Management Information Systems from Texas Tech University. 

Above all else, Alicia loved her family. Alicia married John Thomas Browning on August 23, 1997, at the First Baptist Church in Lubbock. Alicia and John recently celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary. They built their home just outside of Plainview, where Alicia could watch her dogs, horses, and longhorns, as well as the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. In this home, Alicia and John raised their two wonderful sons, Jace Tristan and Brooks Colt. Jace and Brooks were Alicia’s pride and joy, and she loved watching them play baseball and show livestock. The whole family farms and ranches in Hale, Swisher, and Carson counties. Alicia helped with many aspects of farming, animal care, and financial work at Browning Seed. Alicia also loved spending time with her father John W. Balios and taking him to VC-7 Navy reunions.

Outside of school and her career, Alicia was very involved in her community. Alicia and John were active members of the First United Methodist Church in Plainview for over 25 years, where they taught Sunday School for junior high and high school students. Alicia and John were involved in the Gideons ministry and the Gideons Auxiliary. Alicia was also a lifetime member of the Junior Service League, a member of the Plainview Chamber of Commerce leadership, a member of the La Mesa Elementary PTA, she wrote the Heroes of Hope book for the American Cancer Association Cotton Baron’s Ball, and she coordinated the 2003 Dress a Live Doll event. Alicia and John also established a scholarship at Wayland Baptist University with the prayer that it will help further students’ education and spread the message of God’s redeeming love.

Throughout her battle with cancer, Alicia always put others before herself. She gathered the strength to watch every one of Brooks’ baseball games this past year—whether it was in person or online. Alicia fought her battle the hardest so that she could attend Jace’s wedding on August 17, 2024, where they shared a special mother-son dance. Alicia was surrounded by so many thoughtful friends and family members that helped make not only that day possible, but also the rehearsal dinner and the couples shower. In addition to her wonderful friends and family, John was always Alicia’s #1 supporter. John always stood by her side throughout treatment and constantly provided love, reassurance, and the word of God. Alicia’s strength ultimately came from her relationship with Jesus, and she would like to challenge every friend and family member to read the Bible every day. 

Alicia was preceded in death by her grandparents, John and Zona Balios and Frank and Tony Moore, her dad John W. Balios, her uncle Mack Moore, and her cousin Mitchell Moore. She is survived by her loving husband John Thomas, her son Jace Tristan and his wife Alli, and her son Brooks Colt. She is also survived by her mother Linda Balios, her brother Chris Balios and his wife Leigh, and her sister Katrina Stotts. She is survived by her niece Tiffany Rubio and her husband Tony, her niece Shawna Salas and her husband Lee, her nephews Ryan and Cory Balios, her uncle Keith Moore and his wife Elaine, her aunt Brenda Laney and her husband Mark, and her aunt Sally Moore. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Lee Browning and his wife Kimberly, her sister-in-law Kathryn Holloway and her husband Paul, and sister-in-law Karen Higgins and her husband Jim. She has also left behind many extended family members, cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Alicia and John want to express their gratitude to the many doctors and nurses at Covenant Grace Hospital, the Covenant System, and Baylor Scott & White for their love and care. They also want to thank their wonderful friends and family who have loved and supported them over this past year.

A visitation will be held at Kornerstone Funeral Directors on Friday, September 20th from 6-8 p.m. A celebration of life will also be held at the Plainview Methodist Church on Saturday, September 21st at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Cancer Society, Plainview Methodist Church, Gideons International, or the John & Alicia Browning Endowed Scholarship c/o Wayland Baptist University.