Nancy Jane Brown
June 23, 1945—July 17, 2021
Formerly Fort Montgomery, NY
Nancy Jane Brown passed away on July 17, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 76 years old.
The daughter of Robert and Margaret Gebhardt, she was born on June 23, 1945 in Washington, DC. Nancy was a resident of Fort Montgomery, NY for nearly 50 years and most recently relocated to Smyrna, GA, to be close to her daughter and grandchildren. She graduated from the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.S. in Physical Therapy, and from Long Island University with a Master’s in Education. Nancy was a Certified Pediatric Physical Therapist Specialist and spent 40 years as a Physical Therapist, working at Helen Hayes Hospital, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, Orange County Cerebral Palsy Center (Inspire) and the Newburgh Public School System. Following her retirement in 2007, she continued working part time as a contract Pediatric Physical Therapist in Early Intervention at Keller Army Hospital until 2012. She was a talented and caring clinician, whose work enriched the lives of physically challenged children and their families.
Nancy volunteered most of her adult life. She started the first NY State Chapter of Winner on Wheels, a weekend recreation program for children in wheelchairs. She also served as a member of the Highland Falls/Fort Montgomery School Board and was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader. Perhaps her most fulfilling volunteer experience was coaching young girls in the Town of Highlands Ponytail Softball League. For 30+ years, she served her beloved Pintos as a mentor, encouraging sportsmanship and love of the game.
She was an avid fan of Army Women’s Basketball, the New York Yankees, and was a season ticket holder to the New York Liberty since the inception of the WBNA.
Nancy was admired for her fearless spirit and her infectious smile will be remembered by those she inspired.
She is survived by her beloved daughter Kristin Lewis, son-in-law Clark, and her grandchildren, Noah Robert and Laila Jane. She is also survived by her twin brother Kim Gebhardt and his wife Diana; her nephew Brian Shelton with his wife Sally and three daughters; and her niece Margy Shelton. Nancy was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Bobby Brown, in 2018; her older sister Kathy Shelton, and her parents.
A memorial service will be held in New York at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Center of Highland Falls (PO Box 197, Highland Falls, NY 10928) or Make-A-Wish Foundation (wish.org).
Lee Funeral Home and Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach, SC served the family.