Dr. Annajean E. Brown died Feb. 25 at the John Knox Village Care Center in Lee’s Summit, Mo. She was 89.

Annajean was born Jan 3, 1919, in Chariton, Iowa, to Oscar and Harriet Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Earnestine, and her companion, Janice Cable.

Ms. Brown had a long and successful career as a musician. She taught voice and was a vocal performer in a wide variety of venues. She was an opera, oratorio, church music and recital soloist. In addition Annajean performed in Salzburg and Vienna, Austria. She also provided administrative leadership in elementary, secondary, and higher education in the New York and New Jersey area.

Annajean earned degrees at Graceland College, Lamoni, Iowa; Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa; The American Conservatory of Music, Chicago, Ill.; and Columbia University, New York city.

After retirement in 1982, Annajean and Jan divided their time in traveling and enjoying their home on the Vineyard, a meeting place for their many friends. In March of 1998, Annajean sold her home and moved to suburban Kansas City where she would have the association of and support from her family. Auntie Brownie was a favorite of old and young alike.

All too quickly, the decline in her health robbed her loved ones of her wit and charm and the expectations of great stories about a truly remarkable and exciting life.

A private graveside service will be held at Rosehill Cemetery in Lamoni, Iowa. Online condolences may be left at speakschapel.com.

Information about arrangements is available by calling Speaks Suburban Chapel in Independence, Mo. at 816-373-3600.