NORTH MANCHESTER – Viona J. Brown, 77, North Manchester, died at 7:35 p.m. peacefully at her residence. She was born Aug. 27, 1936, in Wichita, Kan., to Howard Gray and Mabel Fern Patterson, who preceded her in death. On July 18, 1960, she married Kenneth L. Brown, who died Nov. 3, 2010. She was an elementary art teacher. She was a member of Manchester Church of the Brethren, North Manchester. She was a graduate of Friends University, Wichita, Kan., and attended Bethany Seminary, Chicago, Ill. She was a North Manchester resident since 1961. She was a lifelong teacher having taught French, English and art at schools in North Manchester and the Warsaw area. With Ken, she played a huge role in the lives of students at Manchester University for more than 50 years. Surviving are two sons, Christopher S. (and spouse Karen Long) Brown, North Manchester, and Michael P. (and spouse Rachel Mordecai) Brown, South Hadley, Mass.; a daughter, Katharine L. (and spouse David Hupp) Gray Brown, North Manchester; a half brother, Robert Janesky, Topeka, Kan.; and five grandchildren: Samuel, Calvin, Zoey, Milo and Cora. Services will be at 2 p.m. Jan. 4 at Manchester Church of the Brethren, 1306 N. Beckley St., North Manchester, with Pastor Karen Eberly officiating. Calling will be following the service at the church. McKee Mortuary, North Manchester, is in charge of arrangements. ***** Memorials may be made to Kenneth and Viona Brown Peace Fund c/o Manchester University, 604 E. College Ave., North Manchester, IN 46962. Condolences may be sent via mckeemortuary.com
