Viona J. Brown, 77, of North Manchester, Ind., died peacefully in her home Friday, Dec. 20, 2013.

She was born Aug. 27, 1936, in Wichita, Kan., to Howard and Mabel Fern (Patterson) Gray. Viona was a graduate of Friends University, Wichita, and attended Bethany Seminary, Chicago, Ill. On July 18, 1960, she married Kenneth L. Brown. He preceded her in death.

She was a North Manchester resident since 1961. Viona was a lifelong teacher having taught French, English and art at schools in North Manchester and the Warsaw, Ind., area. With Ken, Viona played a huge role in the lives of students at Manchester University for over 50 years. She was a member of Manchester Church of the Brethren, North Manchester.

She is survived by two sons: Christopher S. (Karen Long) Brown, North Manchester; and Michael P. (Rachel Mordecai) Brown, South Hadley, Mass.; one daughter: Katharine L. (David Hupp) Gray Brown, North Manchester; one half-brother: Robert Janesky, Topeka, Kan.; and five grandchildren: Samuel, Calvin, Zoey, Milo and Cora.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at Manchester Church of the Brethren, 1306 N. Beckley St., North Manchester. The family will receive friends following the service. Pastor Karen Eberly will officiate. Arrangements are entrusted to McKee Mortuary, North Manchester.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ken and Viona Brown Peace Fund c/o Manchester University, 604 East College Ave., North Manchester, IN 46962.