Viona J. Brown

Viona J. Brown, 77, North Manchester, IN died peacefully in her home Friday, December 20, 2013. She was born August 27, 1936 in Wichita, KS to Howard & Mabel Fern (Patterson) Gray. On July 18, 1960 she married Kenneth L. Brown. He died November 3, 2010. Viona was a graduate of Friends University, Wichita, KS and attended Bethany Seminary, Chicago, IL. She was a North Manchester resident since 1961. Viona was a lifelong teacher having taught French, English and Art at schools in North Manchester and the Warsaw area. With Ken, Viona played a huge role in the lives of students at Manchester University for over 50 years. She was a member of Manchester Church of the Brethren, North Manchester, IN. She is survived by two sons, Christopher S. (Karen Long) Brown, North Manchester, IN & Michael P. (Rachel Mordecai) Brown, South Hadley, MA; one daughter, Katharine L. (David Hupp) Gray Brown, North Manchester, IN; one half brother, Robert Janesky, Topeka, KS and five grandchildren, Samuel, Calvin Zoey, Milo and Cora. A memorial service will be January 4, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Manchester Church of the Brethren, 1306 N. Beckley Street, North Manchester, IN. The family will receive friends following the service. Pastor Karen Eberly will officiate. Arrangements entrusted to McKee Mortuary, North Manchester, IN. For those who wish to honor the memory of Viona J. Brown, memorial contributions may be made to Ken & Viona Brown Peace Fund c/o Manchester University, 604 East College Ave., North Manchester, IN 46962. To send a private condolence to the Brown family, use the Condolence link on the Homepage.