News Summary
The Knoxville community mourns the loss of Francene ‘Fran’ Nona Brown, who passed away at 73. Known for her kindness and generosity, Fran leaves behind her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her vibrant spirit and caring nature touched many lives, including her delightful hobbies and love for music. A Celebration of Life will be planned in her honor.
Knoxville – Francene “Fran” Nona Brown, a beloved member of the Knoxville community, passed away on August 10, 2025, at the age of 73. Her life was characterized by kindness, generosity, and a deep affection for her family, friends, and animals.
Born on December 16, 1951, in Pomona, California, Brown dedicated her life to caring for those around her. She spent many years working in various roles that reflected her compassionate nature. Beginning her career in Administration at Newport Villa Convalescent, she later transitioned to spending over 25 years in Payroll at Mission Viejo Company. Most notably, she served as an Account Manager for US Bank/Elavon for more than 20 years, where she was recognized for her exceptional performance with the Circle of Excellence Award.
Browns’s playful spirit was evident in her personal interests. She had a love for See’s chocolates, which she famously kept a secret stash of under her pillow. Fran also enjoyed visiting casinos, playing scratch-off tickets, and betting on long-shot horses. A devoted fan of music, she had a particular passion for Paul McCartney and the Beatles, with “In My Life” being her all-time favorite song.
Her love for the ocean was reflected in her collection of seashells and sand from beautiful locations around the world, including Okinawa and Ireland. Alongside her hobbies, Brown was known for her thoughtfulness, often creating holiday gift baskets for her neighbors and including special treats for their dogs, exemplifying her caring nature.
Fran is survived by her husband of 34 years, Jerry Brown; her daughter, Tina Miller (Joey); adopted son, Matt Wyzykowski (Jen); and cherished grandchildren, Christian, Lauren, and Madison Miller. She leaves behind a loving family that includes her sisters-in-law Merry Anne Hensley, Joanne Jakin, and Pat McBride (Johnny), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Charlene Nonemaker (Leroy), and her brothers, Dana Hensley and Mark Jakin. Her absence leaves a significant void in the hearts of those who knew her, highlighting the profound impact she had on her community.
A Celebration of Life service will be planned at a later date to honor her remarkable life and the legacy she leaves behind. Friends and family, as well as community members wishing to pay their respects, can share their condolences online at www.atchleyfuneralhome.com.
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Additional Resources
- The Mountain Press: Francene “Fran” Nona Brown Obituary
- Sports Illustrated: Tennessee Football 2025 Schedule Outlook
- Nunes Magician: Syracuse Football 2025 Season Schedule
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fran Brown
- Google Search: Francene Nona Brown
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
