Janis Lee Hutchison

Janis Brown Hutchison, 92, of Lawrence, Kansas died peacefully on August 24, 2026, surrounded by her family and cherished caregivers at Brookside Health & Rehab in Overbrook, KS. She will be remembered by all as a bright, beautiful, and gracious companion, known for her warm smile and melodic laughter.

Born May 20, 1934, to parents Dana Carl and Hepsy June White Brown in Topeka, Mrs. Hutchison’s deep connection to music began early in life, when she received her first piano at the age of twelve. Throughout her life, she was a highly regarded pianist who accompanied hundreds of vocalists and musical groups including her thirteen-year career at the Lawrence High School Choral Department. In her retirement years, she worked as a bridal consultant for Mark’s Jewelers on Lawrence’s iconic Mass Street.

Mrs. Hutchison was a passionate community arts organizer and original founding member of the Lawrence Arts Center, and was a 30-year Audio Reader volunteer, board member and founding organizer of the non-profit’s signature fundraiser, “For Your Eyes Only”. Until her late 80’s she remained busy in the social and scholastic work of the University Women’s Club and loved connecting with friends through The Endicott Center at KU.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law Kris Kennedy, former husband Dr. Jerry E. Hutchison, and two older siblings, Mary Alice Cunningham, Richard Dana Brown, and sister-in-law Mary Louise Plumb Brown.

Mrs. Hutchison is survived by her beloved five children: Jamie Kennedy Drendel [Dick], Julia Ann Martin, Susan Stocker [Eric], Jenny Purvis [Neal], and Jeffrey Hutchison. And grandchildren: Adam, Sean, Katie, Courtney and Emily. Cherished great grandchildren include Sarah, Olivia, Clark, Cooper and Harper.

A private service will be held by the family at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Topeka, KS, in late September.

The family suggests memorials in her name to Kansas Audio Reader, 1120 W. 11th St, Lawrence, KS 66044 or University Women's Club Scholarship Fund c/o KU Endowment Association, P.O. Box 923, Lawrence, KS 66044, two longtime endeavors for which she felt great passion.