Janis Ann Brownfield

February 26, 1942 - July 9, 2020

Janis Ann Brownfield, (nee Zihar) of Myrtle Beach, SC passed away suddenly on July 9, 2020. She was born in Glen Rogers, WV to George and Anna Zihar and raised in Luzerne, Pennsylvania. She attended Maxwell School and Brownsville high school and moved to Washington, DC afterwards. It was there she met Bob Brownfield, the love of her life, who ironically grew up a few miles away from her. She and Bob married June 15, 1963. She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Anna Zihar, and her older brother David. She is survived by her husband, Bob of 57 years. Her 2 daughters and “son” in law, Melissa and Dan Bradley and Melanie Brownfield, all of Myrtle Beach, SC, Her 4 beloved grandchildren, Brooke, Blaire and Brenna Bradley and Gavin Von Schriltz, her brother Martin Zihar (Carol) of Eighty-Four, PA and many nieces and nephews. Bob and Jan raised their daughters in Fairfax Station, VA. Janis worked for the Dept. of Agriculture early on and then was a stay at home mother when she had children. She finished her career after 25 years with AFCEA (Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Assn.) in Fairfax, VA where she started as receptionist and worked her way up through the ranks, eventually becoming Director of Chapter Affairs. After retirement, Bob and Jan moved to Columbus, OH to live near their daughters and grandchildren. They lived there for almost 20 years, finally settling in Myrtle Beach, SC where their children followed them. They could not stand to be away from each other. Janis was a loving wife and dedicated mother, first and foremost. She could not wait to be a “Mimi”. She treasured her husband, children and grandchildren and relished every moment with them. Everything she did was with them in mind. She spoiled her family rotten. Bob was the absolute love of her life and they were still madly in love until the day she left us. Janis was an exceptional and loyal friend. Her enthusiasm and joy for life made an impact on everyone she met. She never met a stranger and made everyone she met feel welcome and loved. She loved life and made the most of every day. She was so active in every community she lived in, enjoying bunko, volunteering, entertaining her family and friends and enjoying her Captain Morgan and diet coke! She had a special place in her heart for the elderly and special needs individuals, taking great joy in participating in the Joy Prom at Beach Church. Her humble upbringing, Love for the Lord and her willingness to give to others made her a truly special woman that touched so many lives. Please join us celebrating her life at McMillan- Small Funeral Home, 910 67th Ave N. Myrtle Beach, SC. Visitation will be Monday, July 13th from 5-7 pm and Celebration of Life on Tuesday, July 14th at 11 am. Pastor Todd Elliott of Beach Church presiding. Interment immediately following at Hillcrest Cemetery, Hwy 544, Conway, SC. The celebration will be live streamed on the web via the McMillan-Small website. If attending, please wear bright clothing! She would love that.