Barbara Jean Brown

Barbara Jean Brown of East Lansing, Michigan – Age 81, passed away November 19, 2021.  Barbara was born July 23, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, to Frank and Josephine M. Gurskey.  She attended High School in Detroit and South Lyon, Michigan.  She was married to Glen Allen Campbell in 1956 and had her first son Glenn in 1957.  They divorced in 1959.  She began her College education at Michigan State University in 1961.  She majored in Art and Art History.  In 1963 she married Thomas John Brown of East Lansing, Michigan.  She had her second son Thomas John Scott Brown on August 6, 1965.  She taught Art at Bath High School.  She was instrumental in the conception and creation of the alternative education High School “Mountain Free School” in 1972 where she also taught Art and helped the school in establishing its roots.  She had a passion for sculpture, pottery, painting, (oil & acrylics), drawing in pencil, pastels and inks.  She also pursued an avid love of writing poetry, songs and stories.  She was working on developing comedies and screenplays.  Barbara had a wide range of friends, interests and a love of life in general.  She loved music and had an appreciation for a wide variety of styles from early blues, jazz, folk and rock.  She also played guitar and mountain dulcimer.   She was preceded in death by both of her parents and her Son Thomas J. S. Brown.   She is survived by her son Glenn J. Brown and his wife Susan, her former husband Thomas J. Brown, her sister Elizabeth (Michael) Kirila, brother Frank (Mary) Gurskey and sister Mary Rogers.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date.