She was born April 20, 1937, in Bellefontaine, Ohio, the daughter of Willard Hamilton and Ethel Dale (Shaw) Hamilton. On May 11, 1957, she was joined in marriage to the love of her life, Pearl Howard Brown, who survives her.
In addition to her husband, those surviving to hold Johna in their hearts are two sons, Dan H. (Sharon) Brown of Moncks Corner, SC, and Rev. David W. Brown (Rev. Elizabeth) of Dayton, OH; five grandsons, Sgt. Rob H. Brown of Charleston, SC, Nathan D. Brown of Richmond, VI, Cpl. Ben D. Brown, Will D. (Amber) Brown, and Lucas O. Brown; a granddaughter, Jennifer (White) Nicholson; a sister, Mildred Brown; a niece and several nephews; extended family and many dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her sisters, Helen Ligget and Sara Dolby; a very special niece, Jeanne Crisler; and her only great-grandchild, Traven Brown.
Mrs. Brown attended Northwestern Local High School in Peoria, Ohio, graduating in 1955. As a young woman she was very involved in 4-H, FFA, the Jr. Fair Board, theatrical productions with the Grange and helping her father in the Hamilton & Sons mercantile store he owned in Peoria.
Following marriage, they lived in Greenfield, OH. They later moved to Portsmouth, Ohio, and Mr. Brown became Manager of a Kroger’s grocery store. During this time Johna served as a 4-H advisor, and was active in the Order of Eastern Star. During the childhoods and youths of their two sons, the Browns expanded their participation to include Scouting, DeMolay, Euchre Club, bowling, activities with the former Franklin Avenue United Methodist Church, and numerous other community groups. She recorded and announced community service spots on WNXT radio.
Mrs. Brown was the Director of Registration at the former Mercy Hospital and retired from Southern Ohio Medical Center. She was a member of Cornerstone United Methodist Church.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Hill View Retirement Center for their compassionate care, and for the many residents of Hill View who Johna and Pearl have had the honor of calling “friends.”
Calling hours will be observed Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m., and an Eastern Star services will begin at 8 p.m. Wednesday at F.C. Daehler Mortuary Company in Portsmouth, OH. Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010, at Daehler Mortuary, with Rev. Kym James officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family at Grandview Cemetery in Chillicothe, OH.
Memorial contributions may be given to Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 808 Offnere St., Portsmouth, OH 45662.
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