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August 23, 1954 – September 24, 2026
Joan E. Brown was born on August 23, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois, to Joyce E. Brown and Willis Brown. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Joan graduated from Chicago Vocational High School in 1972. She later completed the Paralegal Studies Program at DePaul University, earning a certificate in paralegal studies.
Joan grew up alongside her older sister, Constance Brown, and her younger brothers, Eugene Brown and David Brown. From an early age, she was known for her nurturing spirit and natural instinct to care for others. She helped care for her younger brothers, nephews, and other children in the family, and that love of children remained a defining part of her life.
At 33, Joan became a mother to her only child, Jacklyn Brown, whom she shared with Charles Wilson. During Jacklyn’s childhood, Joan was in a 16-year common-law marriage with Jesse Nix. Later in life, after moving to California, she shared a loving partnership with Lorenzo Boyd.
Joan spent most of her life in Chicago before relocating to California in 2013. In 2021, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she spent the final years of her life.
Joan was exceptionally intelligent, sharp, articulate, witty, and resourceful. She worked as a United States Postal Service mail carrier, a secretary, and later a paralegal with Holleb & Coff. She also worked in the travel and vacation touring industry and eventually prepared taxes professionally as an IRS Enrolled Agent. For more than 20 years, she served as an election official, giving her time to the civic process and her community.
Joan was also the person family and friends called when something was complicated. Whether it was paperwork, contracts, taxes, legal processes, or simply figuring out what steps to take next, Joan often knew the answer—or knew how to find it. People trusted her judgment because she was practical, knowledgeable, and persistent.
Raised in the Methodist church, Joan remained connected to her faith throughout much of her life. Her longest church home was St. Mark United Methodist Church in Chicago, where she sang in the choir and served as director of Vacation Bible School.
She was also an active parent and community member. Joan volunteered for school activities, worked with children in her neighborhood, and believed in showing up. As a young adult, she organized sponsors, equipment, and jerseys for the neighborhood softball team, Zodiac, which went on to finish second among ten teams in a 1978 tournament.
That was Joan: see what was needed, organize it, and make it happen.
Joan loved sports, playing cards, competition, conversation, and a good challenge. She was fearless about expressing herself and was known for her quick wit, honest reactions, hilarious authenticity, and unmistakable personality.
Joan did not enter a room quietly in spirit. People remembered her.
Her life was also marked by remarkable resilience.
Later in life, Joan became the primary caregiver for her mother, Joyce Brown, extending the same devotion and care she had given to so many others.
Joan was preceded in death by her older sister, Constance Brown, and her younger brother, Eugene Brown. She now joins the brother and sister with whom she shared so much of life’s journey.
She leaves to cherish her memory her mother, Joyce E. Brown, age 92; her only daughter, Jacklyn Brown; her three beloved granddaughters, Harmoni, Luna, and Solé; her surviving brother, David Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and loved ones.
Her nieces and nephews include Keith and David Jr., sons of her late sister Constance; Eugene Brown II and Shamia Hopper, children of her late brother Eugene; and Brayla, Brittany, Kimberly, Majada, and additional nephews her brother David.
More than anything, Joan will be remembered for her fierce spirit.
Her opinions were real, her reactions were honest, and her humor was quick. She had a remarkable ability to connect with people from every walk of life.
Whether Joan liked you or she didn’t, you knew it. She was never afraid to tell it like she saw it.
Joan had the kind of personality that stayed with people long after an interaction ended. Those who encountered her often walked away with a story, a laugh, a lesson—or all three.
She will be remembered for the tremendous heart she gave to the people she loved.
Anyone who truly met Joan knew one thing for certain: she left an impression that will never be forgotten.
Kristin Carothers says
Love you Ms. Joan ❤️❤️❤️you will be missed
Tangie says
What’s left 2 say that hasn’t been said. Joan was like a BIG SISTER 2 me. I’m not sure if that was Good or Bad 🤭 but I know she was there 4 me when I NEEDED her. I send my BLESSINGS 2 the FAMILY nd continue 2 watch over them. R.I.P Joanie u were THAT GIRL nd ur physical present shall b MISSED ! Love ALWAYS 💕🕊️✨🙏🏽
Melynda Burch says
I’m Melynda ( Susie) her cousin on her dad side, Joan was a beautiful person with a kind heart, she took care of me for a little while when I was a little girl, she treated me like I was her daughter more than her little cousin
I remember her being very smart especially in math, she was very educated and always wanted to live a good life, I’m sorry when life got hard from her but she stayed strong and endured I believe to the end. I will always be grateful to her for showing her little cousin the love of a mother at a time and a season in my life when I needed it. The last time I saw her was a few years ago, she came to Chicago to check on her brother who was actually in a nursing home not far from my home I was able to return the favor in helping her , it meant a lot to see her & her beautiful mom
Cousin I’m sorry that your gone, I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to see each other again, Gods timing is not our timing
Rest well , love you
Rodcliff England says
Miss Joan was a mother and a friend very kind and friendly treated my kids like her own grandkids she will forever be missed.
Carolyn Redd says
My condolences to you and your family.
Jacqueline Carothers, Ed.D. says
I will always remember Joan’s warm smile and her energetic involvement at St. Mark UMC.
Cynthia L Lesure says
My deepest condolences miss you and your ALWAYS happy smile you loved me and my son and I thank you for the wonderful memories Rip 🕊️😇❤️
Kate Hunter says
I always loved Joan’s furry spirit and contagious laugh! My life is richer for knowing her. Prayers to the family at her passing.
Chele says
You have my deepest condolences. I love y’all and will continue to have you all in my prayers.
Alisa Smith says
Joan, what can I possibly say. You and I had many adventures. We had both good and bad times but I will remember them all. I am so glad that you had the opportunity to meet your grandbabies. You will be missed. Thank you for being a part of my life and my children whom were saddened by the new. RIP my friend
Patricia Verduzco says
Friend so sorry about your mom she sounds like a beautiful mom and i can only imagine what you’re going through. Be strong se sing you hugs
Brayla says
Hey Aunt Joan; It’s Bray. I feel im writing this way too soon my heart aches && my eyes get teary eyed every time I see you now 🥺. I’m still in complete shock. From playing on your computer all day as a kid && eating snickers && turtles with you; boy did we love those. Sure going to miss your voice just talking about anything with you, your sense of humor, your sweet voice && your laugh for sure. I’m Super heartbroken. 💔 Us girls are going to miss you but never forget you 😘
Blanche Foster says
I fondly remember Joan from St. Mark UMC in Chicago. She was extremely proud of her daughter, and she will be missed.
Anita Lynn Williams says
Joan is my first cousin, the second of my Grandmama Louise’s three granddaughters (all of whom preceded her three grandsons). As I am the third granddaughter and my parents’ only child, cousins Connie and Joanie were as close to older sisters that I would know, and they ALWAYS did what they could to love me like big sister-cousins do, each in her own way. Although geographical distance between us sometimes caused gaps in our in-person connection, whenever we reunited, the energy created was unequivocally joyous. So many memories flood my heart…
Joan was pure magic. I often quipped that she could enter a room filled with folks she’d never met, yet by the time Joan Brown exited that room, every soul would have been touched. I call my cousin Joanie ”brilliant,” while at the same time knowing that word barely captures the essence of her extraordinary persona.
What I will remember best and most is Joanie laughing, the sound of which could fill a room. (When Joan laughed, all else would be well.)
In fact, the best joy-filled trip down memory lane featuring my cousins is any time Mary Louise Branigan’s three granddaughters laughed together.
If asked what she believed to be her greatest achievement in life, I have no doubt that her simple, two-word response would be “Jacklyn Laurae,” the daughter who has always been her mother’s champion, advocate, and devotee.
Let those of us who love Joan and cherish her memory endeavor to keep Jacklyn and Joan’s beautiful granddaughters close in heart, mind and presence.
In the spirit of my dear cousin, wishing you all love, peace, and light. ~Anita Lynn
Small Raymond says
Hey i’m sorry for yo loss may God Bless you 🙏