Thora L. Brown

Thora L. Brown, 79, passed away September 4, 2015, surrounded by her family.  Born in Akron to Robert M. and Adda (Harris) Erwine, she grew up in Portage Lakes. She was a graduate of Coventry High School and Ohio University, where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.  While at Ohio University, she met David Brown and was won over by his humor and his delivery of sandwiches onto her second floor dormitory windowsill.  Thora taught Science at Copley High School until she started her family.  She was a devoted mother to her three children.

Thora volunteered with the Girl Scouts as a leader and trainer.  She was an active member of Trinity United Church of Christ, where she served as Sunday School Superintendent, organized Oktoberfest dinners and sang in the choir.  David and Thora built their home in Stow where they loved to entertain. Thora hosted large family gatherings in the summer and at Christmas.  She enjoyed decorating, gardening, planning menus and cooking Sunday dinners for her family.

Thora was preceded in death by her husband, David W. Brown in 2005; her parents, brother, Robert W. Erwine, and sister, Margaret (Peg) Gustaevel.

She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Julia (James Herold) Brown-Herold; son, David (Janice) Brown; daughter, Peggy Brown; dearly-loved grandchildren, James, Madeline and Robert Herold and Sarah and Andrew Brown.

She maintained a lifelong friendship with her college roommate, Christine Damron of Colorado, with whom she enjoyed cruises to Alaska, Hawaii and the Panama Canal.  They exchanged letters for more than 50 years.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2015 at Trinity United Church of Christ, 915 N. Main Street, Akron with Rev. David Kiewit officiating.

Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the service at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Trinity United Church of Christ.

Private interment at Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio at a later date.