Mary Jane Palmer-Browning

In Loving Memory of Mary Jane Palmer-Browning

Mary Jane Ralston was born on June 23, 1940, in Wichita, Kansas, to Loren James Ralston and Flossie Irene Goens Ralston. She spent her childhood in Wichita alongside her older brother, Loren “Jim” Jr.

Mary Jane attended Anderson College in Indiana, where she earned a degree in Elementary Education. While there, she met and married John Gordon Palmer. Together they had two children: Julie Susanne (Alban) and Todd Barton. The family lived in Wichita, Alamogordo, New Mexico, and eventually settled in Palm Bay, Florida.

A dedicated educator, Mary Jane taught multiple grade levels at Palm Bay Elementary School. Later, Mary Jane continued her professional growth, earning a master’s degree in Guidance Counseling from Stetson University. She continued at Palm Bay Elementary as a guidance counselor, and during the 1988-89 school year, she was honored as Teacher of the Year. Her passion for helping others led her to become the district’s lead guidance counselor for elementary schools. She also was a mentor to underprivileged students. Later in her career, Mary Jane worked as a grant writer for the Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program, a position she held until her retirement in 2005.

Mary Jane led a full and adventurous life beyond the classroom. She enjoyed scuba diving, dirt bike riding, and even once parachuted solo from an airplane. She loved traveling with her husband Edgar Browning, whom she married in 1984. They spent nearly 40 years together enjoying their grandkids and participating in the vibrant community at First Church, especially their Sunday School class. Mary Jane also served as a member of the Bayfront Community Redevelopment Agency, demonstrating her commitment to her community.

Mary Jane will be remembered for her kind heart, generous spirit, and her ability to make everyone feel important and loved. Even in her final years, as she faced challenges with speech, she never stopped smiling—and her warmth continued to shine through.

Mary Jane is survived by her daughter Julie (Enrique) Alban, and their children Ariana, Emilio, and Nicholas; by her son Todd (Sheila) Palmer, and their children Brian, Kassy and granddaughter Alyssa; and by many loving nieces and nephews in Wichita, KS.

A memorial service will be held in honor of Mary Jane at First Church of Melbourne, 110 E New Haven Avenue Melbourne, FL 32901, at 10:00am on Friday, July 18th 2025, with a reception immediately following. Donations may be made to First Church of Melbourne or Brevard Schools Foundation.