Joyce Brown, who established Brownie Brokerage Inc. with her husband, Lavern “Brownie” Brown in 1967 In Nogales, Ariz., died recently.
Brown, who died June 9 in Rio Rico, Ariz., was 90.
Joyce and Brownie visited Santa Cruz on a business trip in 1962, and she fell in love with the area, according to an obituary.
She was an active partner in the business, a constant presence in the office filling the role of bookkeeper and managing the hiring and dispatch of transportation for the firm,” according to the obituary. “Fifty-two years later, Brownie Brokerage continues its reputation for excellent service and customer care which Joyce helped establish.”
Her son, Todd Brown, leads the brokerage.
She volunteered at numerous organizations, including Carondolet Hospice in Tucson, Rio Rico Youth Hoops, Rio Rico Rotary Club and the Glen Lake (Minn.) Sanitarium.
“Known for her sharp wit, light humor, and optimism, Joyce was a source of delight to her friends and family,” according to her obituary. “She was generous with the wisdom accumulated over a lifetime of hard work, adventure, and travel, often serving as confidant and mentor to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.”
A memorial service is scheduled for July 20 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Nogales. Instead of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Rio Rico Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 4925, Rio Rico, AR, 85648, for college scholarships for Rio Rico High School students.
