Jean Kendrick Brown

“This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.” John 15:12 On April 29, 2023, after a decline in health of several years, Jean Kendrick Brown, 89, passed into her Heavenly home with her arms wide open to give and receive the greatest hug of all. Her legacy of love will be cherished by her daughter, Donna Parris (David), son-in-law, Jeff Davis, six grandchildren; John Parris, Jr. (Allison), Donnie Parris, Melissa Brown, Sonnie Brown (Tara), Abigail Frazier (Evan), Anna Davis (Matt), three great-grandchildren; Madeline and Lyla Parris, and Brooks Mann, her three brothers; Berkeley, Doug (Brenda) and Laythan Kendrick and two former daughters-in-law; Pam Crowder and Terry Toler. Jean’s loss will also be felt by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Jean was predeceased by her parents, Flournoy and Myrtle Kendrick, her husband, Donald Brown, her son, Johnny Brown, her daughter, Melanee Davis and her two sisters; Edna Blevins and Rita Powers. What a reunion that will be! Jean was born in Pittsylvania County on June 30, 1933. Her family moved to Danville when she was three. Growing up in Schoolfield, surrounded by hard-working, loving families and friends was so special to her. Her favorite place was a hillside filled with wild purple violets. There she dreamed and felt God’s presence. On November 6, 1952, her dream of finding her perfect man came true when she married Donald Irvin Brown. Theirs was a very special love cut short when he passed away after nearly 25 years of marriage. Jean never remarried, saying she could never love anyone like she loved him. They lived a beautiful life in Winston-Salem, NC for 7 years, before returning to Danville. She spent her time raising her children, working with her church, gardening with her family, playing bridge, and reaching out to anyone who needed something. She became an amazing cook. No one ever made better fried-chicken or banana pudding. She loved working in flowers and creating beautiful arrangements to give away. When Melanee was in middle school, Jean went to work at Mason’s, later Value City. She started in the cafeteria, and eventually worked her way up to Office Manager where she was known as a tough, yet fair and compassionate boss. Upon retiring, Jean concentrated on her grandchildren. Grandma Jeanne’s love made each feel that they were her favorite. Her other passion was her church and loving everyone she encountered. That love usually started with a big “ole” hug that one felt from their head to their toes and into their heart. She was known as the bright light, the greeter, the hugger. Even in her last days, she sat by the nurses’ station greeting and hugging everyone that she could. Jean leaves a legacy of love that will never be forgotten. A special thank you to everyone who cared for Jean at Brookdale, Brightleaf, Piney Forest Rehab and Sovah Health. Most loved her so much and even called her Grandma. Jean’s Celebration of life, led by Rev. Bob Yeaman, will be held at Hillcrest Baptist Church, 4401 Westover Drive, Danville, at 7 PM on Thursday, May 4th. Visitation with the family will take place after the service. At other times, the family will receive visitors at the home of David and Donna Parris, 451 Hawks Ridge Road, Danville, VA. The family suggests that memorials be made to the Danville Life Saving Crew, 202 Christopher Lane, Danville, Virginia 24541. In honor of Jean please go out and give someone a big “ole” hug. Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel is serving the Brown family.

Jean Kendrick Brown

June 30, 1933 - April 29, 2023