Biography:


Elizabeth Jane Hinman “Janie” Brave, 93, of Little Rock, was born January 24, 1933, and died peacefully at home January 31, 2026. Janie was born to Elizabeth Webster “Betty” Hinman and Sturtevant “T” Hinman in Winnetka, Illinois and was one of four children. She grew up in Winnetka with a host of friends, many of whom she stayed in touch with close to her dying day. She graduated from New Trier High School in Winnetka and attended Beloit College in Madison, Wisconsin.
               
Janie met Bob Brave the winter of 1953 while they were both working in the toy department of Marshall Fields in Chicago. They married in 1954 and were married for 66 years until Bob died in 2020.
               
Janie and Bob moved to Little Rock in 1961 where they were welcomed with open arms by a group that would become true, loyal and lifelong friends.  The group had a close bond and they did everything together. Camping, dinners, playing cards, frisbee in the backyard on Stonewall Road, and annual pig roasts up the street – whatever they did, they did it together. And they always had fun.
 But Janie’s true love was her family. Janie and Bob had four children and a home full of love, welcoming to all. No one ever had to knock, because everyone had an open invitation. Many of the children’s friends will remember staying days at a time. Some even weeks or longer. There was never a dull moment at the Brave house. Always a warm and festive place to gather. Full of laughter.
               
Janie never met a stranger. She was always truly interested in people and their stories and was willing to listen for hours if anyone wanted or needed to share. And she never judged. She was a gentle soul with a wonderful sense of humor. She always had a smile on her face.
               
Janie and Bob had a long and happy life together, full of friends, family and adventure. Janie was a tennis player and Bob was a golfer. Everything they did seemed to complement each other. It was a marriage that most envied. That being said, Janie would tell anyone who would listen that she was a MUCH better fisherman than Bob. She fished with minnows and he used artificial bait. They argued about which was better for 66 years. But Janie always caught more fish – and many more “lunkers” over the years. She was indeed proud of her skills as an angler at Big Bateau Lake in Land O Lakes, Wisconsin – or as Janie would call it, “God’s Country”.
               
Janie was a devoted wife and the best mother anyone could ask for. She was a loving and caring sister, aunt and friend. Some words that have been used over and over to describe Janie are; gracious, caring, loyal, trustworthy, wonderful, fun, funny, kind, honest, true, warm, strong. Janie was always there for everyone. Unconditionally. And she will be missed by us all.
               
Janie is predeceased by her husband Bob, her son Bobby, her sister Annie, sisters in law, Martha Hinman and Joan Hinman, niece Julie Honnold (Howard) and her parents Betty & Tee Hinman.

She is survived by her children Nancy Webre (Mark), Jeannie Roberts (Larry), Peter Brave (Christie Young) and Elizabeth Cortinez (Robert), grandchildren Peter Webre, Towner Webre, Thomas Roberts (Valerie), Cicely Erwin (Miles), Gordy Brave (Emily), Trey Cortinez, Carly Cortinez (Hamilton Hill) & Caleb Cortinez (Holly Buttry), great grandchildren Virginia Roberts, Sylvia Roberts, Adeline McNew & James Hill. She is also survived by her brothers Jim Hinman & Bob Hinman (Gail), her nieces and nephews: Janie Schley (Lisa), Betsy Schley, Jim Hinman Jr., Bill Hinman (Marilyn), Laurie Retzlaff (John), David Hinman (Kena) & Sue Land and cousins Nancy Hinman, Towner Webster, Jim Webster and David Webster, as well as many great nieces & nephews.

A special thank you to the sweet souls that helped care for Janie these last many months. They laughed with her, learned from her (as she did from them), kept her comfortable and loved her. Their bond became strong and unbreakable. Thank you to Danielle Edwards, Quanterrious Girley and Cheryl Vanderbilt. Our family will be forever grateful for the kindness, compassion and love that you selflessly showed our mother.

A private interment will be held at St. Mark’s Church, and a celebration of life will be held at Brave New Restaurant, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Little Rock Compassion Center, Dorcus House or the Little Rock Animal Village. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com