Elizabeth “Jan” Brown Parr died peacefully at home, surrounded by those who loved her on Friday, May 12, 2017. She was born January 15, 1928 in Peoria, Illinois and raised in Monesson, PA. After high school, she went to Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA, where she met her husband, Dr. Richard Brown. They moved to Philadelphia, where she started her teaching career and then to Milroy, PA. Her last home, in Ferguson Valley, Lewistown, where she lived with great joy for over 50 years, was TadoTimTyTon Farm, named after her four sons.
She is survived by her sons, Richard “Tad” (Debra), Timothy (Lucy), Tyler (Barbara) and Barton “Tony”; her grandchildren Tieriny, Taylor, Thaddeus, Belle, Jake, Cole, Adam, Bergen, Carsten and Keenan; her great-grandson Ronan; and her brother F. Peter Simmons, of Grand Junction, Colorado. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard “Dick” Brown and her second husband Ross Parr, as well as her younger brother, Donald “Jerry” Simmons.
Jan was a devoted mother and grandmother, fierce defender of those in need and an unselfish friend. Throughout her life she instilled a sense of right and good in her family, her students and those around her. She was a dedicated friend, and truly loved those who befriended her. As a lifelong teacher, Jan always stressed the importance of education as the way to achieve what you want in life. The early years on the farm were filled with helping kids build tree houses, making creek dams and playing in the woods. Each summer brought more adventures – stream walks, camping, and riding horses. She balanced teaching, raising the younger boys and guiding the older two after their father’s death and rose to the challenges with grace and determination. She never thought she would have grandchildren and she reveled in her adventures on the farm with her tribe of ten.
For those who truly knew her – she also had a fun-loving side. Her smile was legendary at school, the Green Gables and at church. Her laugh was infectious and many a friendship started with Jan telling a story about her life or the adventures of her beloved boys. Jan was always open to experiences and adventures from luncheons, hosting the weekly painting group, traveling solo by plane or train. In her sixties, she went on adventures with her sons to Vienna, (a lifelong dream), and Australia and Indonesia. Once retired, Jan maneuvered through many a trip – annual Christmas trips to New England, Colorado to see her brother, Seattle and Vancouver for her son Tyler’s marriage. Ask Jan to get on a plane or train and she was packed and ready. She loved early American antiques, poking in antique stores and she played an excellent hand of bridge.
Jan taught 2nd and 3rd grades at East Derry, Decatur and Strodes Mills elementary schools, inspiring and touching the lives of nearly 1000 of Mifflin County’s children over her 35 years of teaching. Late in her career she had former students request “Mrs. Brown, because I had her in second grade and she was the best.” In retirement, she kept teaching, but this time helping adults learn to read. From teaching, driving a tractor, managing the horse boarding business, greeting guests as a hostess, to always, always being true to her family and friends, Jan managed to make an impact throughout her life.
As her sons grew and moved on, and after the passing of her brother Jerry, Jan’s friendships became a larger part of her life. Many in the community, especially Ella, Diana, Gloria, Donna, Pauline, and Kathy became her second family. Jan loved them like sisters and the family is thankful for the years of deep, devoted friendship, which gave Jan so much pleasure.
She came from the greatest generation – those who were self-sufficient, took pride in living strongly, and looking out for their neighbors and friends. She will be missed.
The memorial service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, May 20, 2017 from the Yeagertown United Methodist Church at 7 N. Mann Avenue, Yeagertown with the Pastor Carola Beasley-Topliffe officiating. The service will be followed by a lunch gathering at the church for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends who wish to make a lasting memory of Jan send a donation to the East Derry Home and School Association, c/o Kristy Sauer, Treas., 2316 Back Maitland Road, Lewistown, PA 17044 or to the Yeagertown United Methodist Church, 7 North Mann St., Yeagertown, PA 17099.

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