Cora Frances "Fran" Allen Brown, devoted wife, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, nurse, and teacher, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 18, 2025. She was in her 88th year and a longtime resident of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Fran was born on April 27, 1937, in Franklin County, Georgia, to Ira Wilson and Jessie Irene Lowry Allen. She graduated from Thornwell High School in Clinton, South Carolina, in 1955, and followed a calling into nursing-a path she walked with intelligence, empathy, and fierce education. She earned her BSN from Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing and Flora Macdonald College, later receiving a master's in education from Old Dominion University and an MSN from UNLV.

Over the course of her career, Fran shaped countless lives- as a nurse, educator, mentor, and advocate. She taught at DePaul Hospital and Norfolk General in Virginia, the continued her work in Las Vegas at UNLV, the VA outpatient clinic, and eventually the College of Southern Nevada. At CSN, she was a cornerstone of the nursing program and served as Dean of Health Sciences, helping shape the region's healthcare workforce. Her services extended far beyond the classroom, with roles on the Governor's Commission on Mental Health and Disability Services (including one term as Chair), Spring Valley Hospital's Governing Board, and national mental health task forces advising even the President's Freedom Commission on Mental Health.

Her voice, leadership, and compassion left a lasting impact on healthcare education and policy-not just in Nevada, but across the country.

But of all the titles Fran held, the one that brought her the greatest pride was Mom and Grandma. Her deepest joy was not found in accolades or positions, but in the warmth of her family-watching them grow, achieve, gather, and laugh. Her legacy is not only in the classrooms and committees but in the lives of those she loved so fiercely and fully.

Fran is survived by her devoted daughters Angie (Matt) Lubawy and Christine (Albert) Ferguson of Las Vegas; her treasured grandchildren Josh (Ashley) Lubawy of San Diego, Caitlin (Joey) Cafero of Overton, NV, Ryan of Las Vegas, Monica Lubawy of Austin, TX, Drew Lubawy of San Diego, JT Ferguson of Las Vegas, and Amy Lubawy of Austin, TX; and her beloved great-grandchildren Addison and Dawson Ferguson, JAC, Mason, and Karter Cafero, and Isaac Lubawy. Each one was her heart's greatest treasure.

She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters Carolyn Caldwell, LouDean Mayes, and Nancy Allen; her brother Ira Allen; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She joins in rest her husband of 60 years, Jack, her parents, three brothers, and other cherished family members who passed before her.

Fran lived with grace, led with strength, and loved without limit. She gave generously to the world-but gave her whole heart to her family. Her spirit endures in every story told around a table, every nurse she inspired, and every grandchild's laughter.