Janet Ellen Brown

Janet Ellen Brown, 93, of Rolla, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025.

Born on July 21, 1932, in St. Louis, Missouri, Janet was the daughter of Helen and Lawrence May. She grew up alongside her brother, William L. May, who preceded her in death in 2022. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Coral May, and two nieces, Gillian Sheridan and Celia May, all living in England.

Janet graduated from Rolla High School in 1950 and went on to earn her degree in education from the University of Missouri–Columbia in 1953. Janet was a kindergarten teacher in the Rolla school system from 1963 to 1979 at Pershing, Truman and Wyman Elementary Schools. She married Harold Gaddy in 1953, and together they had three daughters: Ellen Lane of Michigan, with three grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Kelly Lindsey of Texas, with two grandsons; and Christy Ehlers of Texas, with two granddaughters and four great-grandchildren. Janet and Harold were married until 1978.

In 1979, Janet married Joe L. Brown, and together they built a blended family. Some of Janet's favorite memories were traveling to navy reunions and winter trips to South Texas with Joe in their Airstream trailer. Joe and two grandchildren preceded her in death. She is survived by her stepchildren: Sandra Brown of Sturgeon Bay, WI; Larry Brown of Rolla, MO; Michael Brown of Marshfield, MO; Richard Brown of Newburg, MO, and 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Janet treasured time with her grandchildren, enjoyed playing Bunco with friends and was an avid reader. She was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church in Rolla and an active member of the local P.E.O. Chapter.

A private celebration of Janet's life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Memorial Garden at the First Presbyterian Church in Rolla. Online condolences may be offered at www.nullandsonfuneralhome.com.