Janet Brown Kott

Janet Brown Kott, 93 died October 25, 2023 at the Pines at Juniper Village (near the home of her daughter, Barbara in State College, PA). She was born October 25, 1930 in McKeesport, PA to the late Alice Donmore Brown and William James Brown.

On August 19, 1950 in East Pittsburg Janet married William M. Kott. He preceded her in death February 11, 2009. Her sister, Shirley Brown Auld of Derry, PA followed Janet to their final reward on January 5, 2024.

Janet is survived by her three children, Michael James Kott of Santa Fe, NM, Barbara Ellen Kott Vogler and her husband George of State College, and Russell Theodore Kott and his wife Sandra Saunders Kott of Sterling, VA; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Janet was confirmed into the Lutheran faith at age 12. A gifted pianist, at age 16 she became the organist at Hebron Lutheran Church in East Pittsburg, and then through five states (Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kansas, Virginia, and Outer Banks, North Carolina) as supply organist and accompanist to churches, schools, and municipalities. She often played for sing-alongs at local senior centers and long-term care facilities.

Educated in East Pittsburg, PA from grades 1 through 12, Janet was the valedictorian of her high school class. She attended Penn State University: one year at Behrend Freshman Center and two years at State College. It was while she was at Penn State that she married William. She obtained a B.Sci. degree from Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia. After working as a registered medical technologist in Roanoke, VA hospitals, then as laboratory supervisor at the American Red Cross Blood Center for 13 years, Janet and William retired to Southern Shores, NC.

In Southern Shores, Janet and William were members of the Kitty Hawk Fire Department, S.S. Civic Association, the S.S. Boat Club and the Outer Banks Presbyterian Church followed by Emmanuel Lutheran Church. They enjoyed their years playing throughout the Outer Banks, including powwows in Frisco, visits to Roanoke Island, sailing the Albemarle Sound, 4-wheeling to Carova, and sitting in the surf with a glass of wine.

Miss Janet has completed her final journey. She always said that we should celebrate life- not mourn death; she solved the problem for us by dying on her birthday. She is blowing out candles with Jesus by her side, wishing us all peace and grace, Amen.

Janet’s ashes will be interred beside her husband William, on Saturday October 25, 2025 at 1:30 pm in Southern Shores Cemetery. Keith Dey will officiate.  Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.