Sandra Jane Linnenburger Brown, 77, of Topeka, KS passed away on Friday, February 13, 2015. She was born March 31, 1937, in Elvaston, IL to Marvin Edward Linnenburger and Mary E. (Monroe) Linnenburger.
Sandra married James Marshall Brown on July 13, 1957, in Sutter, IL, enjoying 55 years of marriage. She was a lifelong educator and worked for USD 501 until her retirement.
Sandra graduated from Washburn University in August of 1973 with a Master's degree in Education. She was recognized as USD 501 Teacher of the year in 1993 and was the chairperson/Facilitator for Gifted Education Program from 1984 until her retirement.
She was an active member of First Congregational Church in Topeka and served on many church committees.
Her professional memberships included the Kansas Association for Gifted Children (K-GTC), the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), National Education Association, Kansas Education Association, Alpha Delta Kappa, Phi Delta Kappa, Educational Leadership (ASCD) and PEO.
She was involved locally as a member of the Brewster Place Board, the Mulvane Arts Council, and the Melody Brown Fun Factory of Arts. She volunteered with several other organizations including TPAC, ERC and the Topeka Civic Theatre.
Sandy enjoyed traveling with family and friends, playing bridge, shopping, spending time with her grandchildren and socializing with her many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Brown, her brothers, Bill Linnenburger and James Arthur Linnenburger and her parents.
Sandra is survived by her children, Pamela Sue (Kyle) Ferlemann and Steven James (Connie) Brown. She enjoyed her three grandchildren, Emily Leigh Ferlemann, Abbey Nichole Brown and Anthony James "AJ" Brown. Sandra is also survived by brothers Larry (Margie) Linneburger and Dennis (Jane) Linnenburger.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 17 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18 at First Congregational Church, 1701 SW Collins Ave. in Topeka. Inurnment will follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Jim & Sandy Brown Memorial Scholarship in care of Topeka Community Foundation, 5431 SW 29th St, Suite 300, Topeka, KS 66614 or by visiting their website at www.topekacommunityfoundation.org.
To share a special memory of Sandra or to leave a message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.