November 29, 1924 - March 29, 2021
Jane Byrd Brown, age 96, of Overland Park, Kansas passed away on March 29, 2021 from exceeding her body’s warranty. Until the last year, she had no chronic illness, leading a relatively healthy life. This is amazing given that she learned to smoke at age 6 while living on an African tobacco farm – and the habit continued until age 90. She was lucky in this and other regards.
To the end, Jane was mentally sharp and witty – reading the entire newspaper daily. She made friends everywhere she went. She was sociable and well-liked. She had a good sense of humor and was a good storyteller. She was kind and generous. She possessed a certain kind of southern charm, disrupted by the occasional “Hot Damn” and “Oh, Hell”. This was part of her style and made her endearing. We all considered her very special, and she was loved so much.
Jane was born in New Albany, Indiana as Emily Jane Byrd, but never cared for the first name of Emily. In her early years, her family moved to Angola, Africa in connection to an RJ Reynold’s tobacco project. Upon returning, she lived in the Louisville, KY area. She attended multiple universities, earning a degree in history. She married J.F. Brown in 1952 – living in multiple locations along the Ohio River, before settling in Midland, MI. She finally moved to Overland Park, KS in her 80’s to be close to family.
Jane lived in an amazing time of progress and change – and appreciated it. Like the times, she adapted and was never rigid in her beliefs. This was most evident in her politics. She read profusely and often volunteered. She was a true centrist, understanding both sides of any issue and choosing the middle stance. As the political pendulum swung left and right, her affiliation changed accordingly – usually opposite the extreme. First and foremost, she was a humanist, wanting the best for all.
Jane was athletic in an era when girls’ sports were non-existent and socially unacceptable. Her sport of choice was tennis – and she was quite good. She “looked like a lady and served liked a man” was an often-repeated compliment back in the days. During the 1970’s, she and others championed girl’s tennis in the Midland, Mi public schools and succeeded. This was extremely gratifying to her.
As some odd tidbits, Jane drank hot tea (with milk) nonstop. She had a lead-foot while driving - which continued in her motorized wheelchair. She solved the Jumble word puzzle daily (found in newspapers). She is renowned for homemade bread, cinnamon butter and serving up shortbread cookies. She was made an honorable “Kentucky Colonel” for her political work in the 1960’s. She fancied card games of all types but was best at Bridge – easily memorizing all cards played. She played a LOT of solitaire. She loved playing dominoes and Rummikub with granddaughters and daughter. She also enjoyed misbehaving in small ways.
Jane is survived by daughter Melinda of Edwards, CO. and son Edward (with wife Beverly) of Prairie Village, KS. Living nearby are granddaughters Kelsey (with husband Torre Norton) and Kathryn Brown, as well as great grandson Calvin. She took pride in her family and their individual endeavors.
Jane’s request was to “Go up in flames” (cremation). She didn’t want a viewing nor a service. The family will hold their own celebration-of-life tribute. Afterward, her ashes will be buried at a scenic Lexington, KY cemetery next to family. No donations are asked – only a fond remembrance.
