October 30, 2025
Icie “Midge” Stapleton Browning
February 10, 1936 – October 29, 2025
We are sad to announce that Icie Stapleton Browning, 89, gracefully and peacefully went to her eternal rest on October 29, 2025 at The Lantern at Morning Pointe in Russell, Kentucky after a prolonged illness.
Midge, as she was affectionately known, was born February 10, 1936 in Estill County, Kentucky a daughter of the late Walker and Alice Cox Reece. She was a devoted wife, mother, mammaw and aunt to her beloved family. While she will be deeply missed and Midge’s family will mourn her physical absence, her passing has only strengthened and amplified her loving presence in our lives. When the initial hurt of her loss has subsided, we will remember her with smiles on our faces, rather than tears in our eyes. Midge was devoted to her family, raising her sons in Ashland, Kentucky and working in retail stores over the years at G.C. Murphy Co., C.H. Parsons, Proffitt’s and Belk’s Department Stores. She loved to dance and could often be found at various dance events in the area.
Midge was married to Floyd Stapleton for 33 years until his death in 1988. She later met and was married to Elmer E. “Buddy” Browning for 9 years until his death in 2009.
In addition to her parents and husbands, Midge was predeceased by her infant son, Charles Ray Stapleton and her siblings, Lonzel Reece, Della Mays, Isabell Gross, Christine Isaacs, Jurldean Carroll, Eudell Lickliter, and Edessa Marie Isaacs.
Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Randy Stapleton of Ashland, Kentucky and Anthony Stapleton (Tammy) of Flatwoods, Kentucky; her grandchildren Tiffany Hickman (Isaac) of Lexington, Kentucky, Samuel Stapleton (Yin Yin) of Seattle, Washington, Kayla Stapleton of Flatwoods, Kentucky and Zachary Stapleton of Flatwoods, Kentucky; her great-grandchildren, Ellie Hickman and Trace Stapleton; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she adored, loved and cherished. She also leaves many friends, coworkers and neighbors who shared good times with her over the years and for whom she held great affection. Her family thanks all of those who were friends and companions in her many exploits throughout the years.
Midge’s family is thankful and grateful for the loving care and attention provided by all of the staff at Morning Pointe Senior Living and the Lantern at Morning Pointe and by the nurses and caregivers at Ashland Community Hospice.
In accordance with Midge’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. Internment will be at Rose Hill Memorial Park with her family in attendance.
In lieu of flowers, which Midge always referred to as a “waste of money,” please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Ashland Community Hospice in remembrance of her.
Lazear Funeral Home is entrusted to care for Midge.
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