Janna Rose Prange Simon of Columbia, SC, died September 15, 2024, at home with her family by her side. 

She was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on January 3, 1940, and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, by her late parents, Clarence and Bess Prange.

Janna graduated from Memphis State in 1962 with a degree in Music and then obtained a master’s degree in Christian Education in 1964 from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education (PSCE) in Richmond, Virginia. Her call to ministry led Janna to work in small churches in Arkansas and Virginia, ultimately serving the longest as the Director of Christian Education at Westminster Presbyterian in Charlotte, NC. 

In 1972, she married her high school sweetheart, Bryan Simon, and moved to California. She and Bryan celebrated 51 years of marriage before he died in October 2023. With marriage came motherhood for Janna, as she became a mom to Bryan’s two children: daughter Martha and son Clayton. The family moved from Diamond Bar to Acton, California, where Janna gave birth to Roseanna (1976) and Karan “Scooter” (1980). Janna began her volunteer work in ministry as the Lay Pastor for the Acton Presbyterian Church.

The family moved from Acton to Marietta, Georgia, in 1984. It was in Marietta that Janna helped Bryan run the family music store, Music Dox. She also utilized her teaching skills and her ability to connect with children as a preschool teacher at First Presbyterian Church Marietta, Covenant Presbyterian, and Primrose Country Day School. For many summers, she served as the Assistant Director for Cherokee Presbytery’s Camp Cherokee. After 18 years in Georgia, Janna moved with Bryan to Pleasanton, TX. She continued her call to ministry as the Lay Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, where she both gave the sermon and played the organ. Additionally, she volunteered at the local nursing home, where she led Bible studies and hymn sings.  Janna spent many summers as the camp chaplain at John Knox Ranch. 

In 2020, Janna and Bryan moved to Columbia, SC, to live with their daughter Karan “Scooter” and her family. She continued her volunteer ministry, preaching as needed at Seven Oaks Presbyterian and Providence Presbyterian.

Janna is survived by Marty Barritt of Henderson, NV; Clayton Simon (Mary) of Mission Viejo, CA; Rosie Robinson (Eric) of Columbia, SC and Karan Bundrick of Columbia, SC; her grandchildren Sarah Seifert (Troy), Bryan English (Stephanie), Chrissy Riches (Tanner), Maggie Kreitz (Ryan), Bryce Simon, Anna Simon, Isaac Simon (Megan), Wyatt Robinson, Laken Robinson, Knox Robinson, Finn Bundrick, and Eli Bundrick; her great-grandchildren Haylee Seifert, Trinity Nichols, Malakai Tillman, Kinsley English, Thatcher and Isabelle Riches, and Jackson, Luke, Harrison, Remington, and Lydia Kreitz; her brother Dick Prange (Deborah); and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews from all over the United States and Australia.

The family would like to thank the staff of South Carolina Internal Medicine, Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital, MSA Home Health, and MSA Hospice for their outstanding support and care of Janna.

A Memorial Service will take place on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Providence Presbyterian Church, 1112 Hummingbird Drive, West Columbia, SC 29169. The service will be streamed live on YouTube @ProvidencePresbyterianSC.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Providence Presbyterian Memorial Fund 1112 Hummingbird Drive, West Columbia, SC 29169.  https://secure.myvanco.com/YPE1/campaign/C-10WF2

The South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Please share memories and messages on the online guest book by clicking on the “Leave A Tribute” tab above.