Vera Jo Brown

Vera Jo Jefferies Brown, aged 98, of Topeka, Kansas passed away November 28, 2021.

Vera was born August 3, 1923, in Joplin, Missouri. Her parents, William Luther Jefferies and Jemina Georgina McGraham Jefferies, preceded her in death.

Having been born during the depression era, Vera often spoke of her childhood and the ways in which "folks from the neighborhood" entertained one another with card games and pot-luck gatherings when money was tight. Her family owned a small farm, and she was thankful that, while they didn't have luxuries, they always had enough to eat. She often remarked that not everyone was that lucky. Those memories stayed with her throughout her life, and she was always cautious in her spending and an excellent manager for her family's financial interests.

Vera married William Bithol Brown on May 18, 1946, in Columbus, Kansas. Though they had known each other since the eighth grade while attending school in Goodman, Missouri, they decided to wait until after World War II to marry. Bithol entered the conflict late in the war and was an Army tank commander. After the war he was with the Army of Occupation in Belgium until he was discharged. While Bithol was in Europe fighting with the American and European troops, Vera made a strong contribution to the war effort by working at Camp Crowder, an Army compound in Neosho, Missouri that trained Medical Corp, Communications staff, and ground troops. She continued to be employed at Camp Crowder throughout the war.

Vera told the story that she and Bithol crossed into Kansas from Missouri to marry because they didn't need a blood test for a marriage license which Missouri required at that time. Asked why that was important to them, Vera replied, "we waited throughout World War II to marry, and when we got ready, we just didn't want to wait any longer." They raised two daughters, Linda Brown Johnson and Victoria Brown Harvey, and two sons, William Steven (Steve) Brown and Donald Brown. Bithol preceded Vera in death on May 4, 1992.

When her four children were enrolled in school, Vera went on to have a successful career, working first with Sears, Roebuck and Company and later with Jostens School Yearbook Company, both located in Topeka. Vera enjoyed her professional career and often spoke fondly of the friendships that she made through her work experiences, however, her focus in life was her family. She was especially dedicated to raising her children to be self-sufficient and contributing adults.

Vera is survived by her four children and their partners: Linda Brown Johnson of Topeka, Kansas; Victoria Brown Harvey of Blue Springs, Missouri and her partner William M. Harvey; William Steven (Steve) Brown of Topeka, Kansas and his partner Mary Perez; and Donald Brown of St. Louis, Missouri and his partner Patricia Joye Brown. In addition, she is survived by three grandchildren, Jeremy Johnson, Amanda Brown and her partner Joshua Buck, and Liam Brown as well as one great-grandchild, Joshua Tyler Buck.

A graveside service will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery, 3616 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas on Thursday, December 2nd at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be sent to Grace United Methodist Church, 2627 SW Western Ave, Topeka, KS 66611.

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