Donna Jean Brown

September 30,1929 – December 16, 2024

Donna Jean Brown, at 95 years of age passed away on December 16, 2024.

She was born September 30, 1929, in Novinger, Missouri along with twin sister Dorla Dean to Roy and Hazel VanLaningham. 

Jean was in the 5^th grade, in 1939, when the family moved to Nevada so her father Roy could work in a mine near Ely with his brothers.  The family lived in a very small community called Goody Station. When the girls reached high school age the family moved to Fallon. 

Jean graduated from Churchill County High in 1947.  She met Frank Brown at a Methodist Youth League fellowship dance and on June 5, 1949, Frank and Jean were married in Fallon. 

Jean worked alongside Frank as they owned and operated many businesses over the years, most notably Crown Auto Body & Paint Shop, which they operated from 1958 to 1998 and Fallon Cycles from 1982 to 1989. 

Frank was an avid motorcycle rider, and they made many trips around the United States on their motorcycles. In later years Jean preferred to ride her own motorcycle rather than be a passenger. She was a hobbyist photographer and documented the trips with slides and photos. 

Frank and Jean built a house on Drumm Lane in 1956 and lived in it the remainder of their lives, raising their two sons, Terry and James.  Her collection of rocks, purple glass, tiny shoes, travel trinkets and books became a treasure trove of delight once her two grandchildren, Michelle and Ben, were born. 

Her years of dementia did not stop her from being a sweet smile and popcorn lover.  Jean was preceded in death by her husband Frank and son Terry. She is survived by son James Brown and daughter-in-law Linda, grandchildren Michelle (John Christiano) and Ben (Carlee), and one great-grandson, Creed. 

There will be no services. Just family remembrances of a life well lived.