She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
- Proverbs 31:25-26
Jane Shepherd Brown—beloved sister, mother, grandmother, and friend—affectionately known as "Nana," passed peacefully, surrounded by her family, on November 8, 2025. A true lady in every sense, Jane was known for her elegance, beauty, grace, unwavering faith, and fierce devotion to her family. Her gentle voice, impeccable style, and remarkable ability to make all things beautiful left an impression on everyone who met her.
Born on May 30, 1936, in Portsmouth, Virginia, to Alvah Wesley Shepherd and Ethel May (Montague) Shepherd, Jane grew up with a strong sense of family and faith sharing an especially deep and inseparable bond with her younger sister and lifelong best friend, Joan—a relationship she treasured throughout her life. After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School, she worked as a bank teller before moving to Miami, Florida to begin a successful modeling career. One memorable assignment took her to Cuba for a photo shoot, which unexpectedly coincided with fall of Havana, forcing her sudden and harrowing evacuation from the country. But always being one to look on the bright side, she remembered Cuba as one of the most beautiful places she had seen. While modeling at Burdines, Jane met and married the love of her life, Jon Brown.
Jane's modeling career later took her to New York City, where she and Jon settled into a walk-up apartment in Hell's Kitchen on 44th and 9th. They embraced a vibrant, bohemian life—entertaining friends, hosting glamorous gatherings, and, during the holidays, sailing on the QEII to help decorate the ship for Christmas. In July 1970, Jane and Jon welcomed their son, Shepherd, lovingly named to honor the family. Her mother, Ethel "Nannie," moved into the downstairs apartment to help with raising her cherished grandson.
Over the years, Jane frequently traveled with her sister Joan, now an entertainer living in Tokyo, Japan and together they explored Europe, Guam, Asia, and many parts of the United States—creating lasting memories that became treasured stories.
After she and Jon separated, Jane moved with Nannie and Shepherd to San Mateo, California, in 1979. Although she had moved on from her modeling career, Jane remained devoted to the world of fashion, working in boutiques, department stores, and various other creative roles. Her artistic eye led her into interior design, art representation, home staging, and floral design. She joyfully used those gifts when she and Jon Brown created the beautiful floral arrangements for Shepherd's wedding to Evangeline (Kortenkamp) Brown.
In 1998, Jane welcomed her first grandchild, Nathaniel Jon Paul, followed by Wesley Shepherd in 2002. Becoming "Nana" was the greatest joy of her life. She helped raise both boys, just as her mother had done for Shepherd, pouring into them her love, gentleness, and nurturing spirit. Her capacity for kindness was unmatched and knew no boundaries.
In her later years, her mission in life was to spread the message that her life's joy and happiness came from the love of Jesus Christ. We said goodbye to her with confidence, knowing the Lord welcomed her home. "Well done, good and faithful servant!" -Matthew 25:21
Jane's legacy is one of family, faith, beauty, and grace. She leaves behind countless memories, immeasurable love, and a life that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered, always.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
- Psalm 23
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
- Proverbs 31:25-26
Jane Shepherd Brown—beloved sister, mother, grandmother, and friend—affectionately known as "Nana," passed peacefully, surrounded by her family, on November 8, 2025. A true lady in every sense, Jane was known for her elegance, beauty, grace, unwavering faith, and fierce devotion to her family. Her gentle voice, impeccable style, and remarkable ability to make all things beautiful left an impression on everyone who met her.
Born on May 30, 1936, in Portsmouth, Virginia, to Alvah Wesley Shepherd and Ethel May (Montague) Shepherd, Jane grew up with a strong sense of family and faith sharing an especially deep and inseparable bond with her younger sister and lifelong best friend, Joan—a relationship she treasured throughout her life. After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School, she worked as a bank teller before moving to Miami, Florida to begin a successful modeling career. One memorable assignment took her to Cuba for a photo shoot, which unexpectedly coincided with fall of Havana, forcing her sudden and harrowing evacuation from the country. But always being one to look on the bright side, she remembered Cuba as one of the most beautiful places she had seen. While modeling at Burdines, Jane met and married the love of her life, Jon Brown.
Jane's modeling career later took her to New York City, where she and Jon settled into a walk-up apartment in Hell's Kitchen on 44th and 9th. They embraced a vibrant, bohemian life—entertaining friends, hosting glamorous gatherings, and, during the holidays, sailing on the QEII to help decorate the ship for Christmas. In July 1970, Jane and Jon welcomed their son, Shepherd, lovingly named to honor the family. Her mother, Ethel "Nannie," moved into the downstairs apartment to help with raising her cherished grandson.
Over the years, Jane frequently traveled with her sister Joan, now an entertainer living in Tokyo, Japan and together they explored Europe, Guam, Asia, and many parts of the United States—creating lasting memories that became treasured stories.
After she and Jon separated, Jane moved with Nannie and Shepherd to San Mateo, California, in 1979. Although she had moved on from her modeling career, Jane remained devoted to the world of fashion, working in boutiques, department stores, and various other creative roles. Her artistic eye led her into interior design, art representation, home staging, and floral design. She joyfully used those gifts when she and Jon Brown created the beautiful floral arrangements for Shepherd's wedding to Evangeline (Kortenkamp) Brown.
In 1998, Jane welcomed her first grandchild, Nathaniel Jon Paul, followed by Wesley Shepherd in 2002. Becoming "Nana" was the greatest joy of her life. She helped raise both boys, just as her mother had done for Shepherd, pouring into them her love, gentleness, and nurturing spirit. Her capacity for kindness was unmatched and knew no boundaries.
In her later years, her mission in life was to spread the message that her life's joy and happiness came from the love of Jesus Christ. We said goodbye to her with confidence, knowing the Lord welcomed her home. "Well done, good and faithful servant!" -Matthew 25:21
Jane's legacy is one of family, faith, beauty, and grace. She leaves behind countless memories, immeasurable love, and a life that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered, always.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
- Psalm 23
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