Sharon Kay Browning Hachtel

July 16, 1945 – October 1, 2025

Kay was born on July 16, 1945, at Nix Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. She often shared with a smile that the first atomic bomb test that same day meant she and the atomic age arrived together — a reflection of her bright spirit and sense of humor that stayed with her throughout her life.

After a courageous two-year battle with dementia, Kay passed peacefully into God's care on October 1, 2025, surrounded by love in her home in Georgetown, Texas. A proud 1963 graduate of Odessa High School and later Sul Ross State University, Kay devoted her life to teaching and inspiring children. For over 30 years, she taught second grade at ECISD, sharing her deep love of reading and helping generations of Odessa families discover the joy found in books. Her dedication, patience, and gentle encouragement left an indelible mark on countless young lives.

Following her retirement, Kay and her husband Randy settled in Sun City, Georgetown, to be closer to their beloved grandchildren, who brought her endless joy.

Kay is lovingly survived by her husband of 59 years, Randy; daughter Kelly and her husband David Hewitt of Santa Monica, California; son Bob Hachtel and his wife Michaela of Austin, Texas; two cherished grandchildren, Jagger Hachtel and August Hachtel; her sister Sandra Rathbun of Colorado; and many dear cousins and friends who will remember her kindness and laughter.

She was preceded in death by her Father Gordon H. Browning and Mother Maxell Browning of Odessa, Texas and her brother Gordon D. Browning of Dallas, Texas.

A private service will be held in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Kay's memory by contributing to your favorite charity or sharing the gift of reading with a child — just as she did so beautifully throughout her life.