Debra K. Janner Obituary
Deb passed away unexpectedly at McLaren Bay Region on April 11, 2025. She was born in Lansing, Michigan on January 6, 1953 to LG Brown and Elizabeth (Betty) Brown.
Deb and Willy met while working at Michigan Bell in Saginaw. Willie was a line technician and as part of a "trouble call", he would call into Michigan Bell Assistant Telephone Technicians and would sometimes connect with Deb. The calls blossomed into a romance that later led to them exchanging their vows on April 21, 1984. They lived in Bay City until Willy's passing in 2000.
Deb was born in Lansing. She would usually be found in one of sever places enjoying life with her lifelong friend Debi Daly, getting into mischief with her siblings, horseback riding, or eating grandma's famous fudge. Usually nothing good happens after the Brown children got all "sugared-up". Blame it on the fudge!Deb graduated from Delta College, obtaining an associate's degree in business management.
Deb worked at Michigan Bell (retired), where she also met her lifelong friend, Penny Graham, she was an Independent Consultant for Wildfire Credit Union and worked at Saganing Eagles Landing Casino in the player's club.
Deb loved gardening and dabbled in stamping, along with baking with her family. Deb loved to cook. Her favorite dish to cook for her family was goulash. It never mattered that the noodles were expired, because the tomatoes were canned by her and her family. Her love for animals was unmatched even for her featherless macaw, Marigold. No stray ever walked away with an empty stomach. Deb's real passion was horses. Since childhood, she always dreamt of having her own stable. In 2012, Deb made that dream a reality by owning and operating Trail Creek Stables in Pinconning. It was hard work but satisfying work. These majestic creatures captured her heart, along with the hearts of her children and grandchildren. Sharing this passion with her family was one of her greatest joys in life, resulting in many happy memories. Deb loved adventuring with Willy, brother Chuck and sister-in-law Pat. Many a picture can be found of them holding a special fruity drink and an umbrella sticking out of it. Many a cruise was had, and many a tropical resort was visited. After the passing of Willy and Chuck, the adventures were paused, but with time and healing, the girls found their groove and resumed their adventuring with them in their hearts. It is rumored that they are still wanted in 4 states and Interpol would like to speak with them. Pat, you better watch out!
Deb is survived by her children, Ray Parks and Venus Paten (Shawn Kimbrue), Paul Paten (Carrie), and Larry Taylor; grandchildren Clark (formerly Jourdin) Parks, Dakota and Cameron Paten; brothers Terry Brown (Melissa), and LG "Butch" Brown (JoeAnn); sister Pat Brown, and brother-in-law Ken Orr. The family would like to acknowledge Deb's special companion, Larry Grappin, and extend our gratitude for being a constant source of joy for her during her last year. We thank you and you will always be a part of this family.
Deb is preceded in death by her parents, LG and Elizabeth (Betty) Brown, siblings Chuck Brown, Barb Brown and Carol Orr.
No words, let alone 3 of them, could ever be enough to describe Deb's heart. She could be described as loving, selfless, kind, gentle, friendly and generous. She was always willing to help anyone who needed it and never expected anything in return. If you were having a bad day, it always got better when you saw Deb. Her smile lit up a room. She laughed with her entire self, even at her own horse jokes! You know the one! Deb will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. She truly was an angel lent to us by God. If Deb was a part of your life, you are a better person for it. Deb, stay out of trouble up there. God, thank you for lending us your angel. You took her back too soon.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. from Rivertown Funeral Chapel with Paston John Tousicak presiding with burial to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.
