Joyce L. Brown

Mrs. Joyce L. Brown 67 formerly of Gates, NC peacefully transitioned from this life in Queens, NY on Friday Sept. 30, 2022, with her beautiful family by her side.

Joyce Louise Smith was born May 29, 1955 to the late Mr. Dellie Smith and Mrs. Louise (Lassiter) Smith in Hertford County, NC. She was the youngest of their eight children. She graduated from Gates County High School and worked for the New York City Housing Authority for over 36 years.

In May 1975, Joyce married her former husband, Arthur M. Brown, Jr; changing her last name and gaining two stepsons: Anthony and Timothy. The 19-year marriage also produced two daughters: Yolanda and Sherese.

Joyce was an avid music lover who attended R&B and Soul music concerts. Her favorite artists were Lionel Richie and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds.  

Joyce was a health enthusiast who enjoyed working out at the gym and using her sizeable collection of fitness VHS cassettes to stay in shape. She loved going for “walks and talks” to the Starrett City Shopping Center for coffee and conversation with her loved ones.

Joyce loved warm weather and traveling to climates warmer than New York including California, Mexico, the Caribbean, and her native North Carolina.

Joyce was a devoted mom who delighted in watching her children grow and develop into cat lovers, community organizers, and successful civil servants. She always led with love and never let you get off the phone without saying “I love you.” Whether drinking her favorite beverage of choice (Diet Coke) or chit chatting over the latest musings, her infectious laugh and loving, gentle spirit captivated all who knew her. She was a loving caretaker to surrogate children, family members, and friends. She selflessly gave her unwavering love and support to all who knew her.

Joyce loved to stand out in a crowd and exemplified style, grace, and class. She loved wearing red and keeping her nails done. Her hair was always laid to perfection.      

In her passing, Joyce leaves behind to mourn her loss: daughters Ms. Sherese Brown of Rockville, MD, and Ms. Yolanda Louise Brown of Brooklyn, NY; her stepsons Anthony D. and his wife,  Jennifer Brown of Queens, NY, and Timothy D. and his wife, Seven Brown of Raleigh, NC; Sisters: Delcie Johnson of Corapeake, NC, Shirley and husband, William Howell of Holland, VA; twenty-three nieces and nephews; twenty-five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, several cousins and a host of friends and colleagues.

A memorial service honoring her beautiful life will take place on October 29, 2022 at 12:00pm at True Vine Church of Deliverance.  Mrs. Brown's final resting place will be at her home church Stoney Branch Baptist Church.

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