Joyce L. Brown, 94, of Salina, KS, went to her eternal rest September 11, 2024. She was born in 1930 in Quinter, KS to Len and Stella Harden. She spent summers in her teenage years performing domestic work, and occasionally mixing mortar for her father, an accomplished mason. She graduated from Culver High School and went on to college at McPherson College and Kansas State University where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics. From 1952 to 1953, she taught Home Economics and Sciences at Westmoreland High School in Westmoreland, KS.
Joyce married Dick Brown in 1951, her loving and devoted husband of 73 years. In 1955 and 1956 she was able to accompany Dick to San Antonio while he served two years in the USAF. Joyce was a loving and nurturing mother to four children. Outside the home, she wore many hats as secretary, accountant, and hostess at the family business, the Elmore Dairy and Cafeteria, for 25 years. Her greatest joys were her family, cooking, sewing, swimming, biking, skiing, camping, driving her bright red Mazda Miata, and a good glass of wine. She even got a private pilot license and flew her own plane.
Joyce was a compassionate woman toward everyone she encountered and always full of grace, regardless of the task at hand. Her respect and warmth were deeply felt by so many. Joyce will always be known for her radiant, welcoming smile, which she leaves as a legacy to all who knew her.
Joyce was a member of the Salina First United Methodist Church, serving on the Administrative Council, as a Trustee, and on various Boards. She was a Sunday School Teacher and long-time member of the Sewing Concerns group.
Joyce was active in many community and civic organizations. She participated in 4H as a Project Leader in cooking and sewing, and volunteered with Meals on Wheels for over 30 years. She was a Board Member of the Salina United Way, a 50-year member and Past President of the Salina Downtown Lioness Club, and Past President and member of PEO. She was also active in the Parent Teacher Association, as Past President at South Park School, and a member at Huesner and Franklin Schools.
She is survived by her sister, Kathy Chapman; her husband, Dick Brown; her four children, Kim Brown (Conee), Sandy Hill, Susan Mowery, and Allan Brown; 15 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. with family receiving friends from 5-7 p.m. on Friday September 20, 2024 at Ryan Mortuary. A Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday September 21st at the First United Methodist Church. Inurnment will be at Roselawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Theatre Salina or the Salina Rescue Mission.
Online condolences at www.ryanmortuary.com.