Joan Brown Obituary

Joan Wiley Brown, 93, passed away peacefully on June 27th in Virginia Beach. She was a lover of art, music, animals, babies, laughter and finding beauty in all things. She had unwavering belief in God and his mercy.
Born in Camden NJ to Samuel and Pauline (Timberlake) Wiley, she spent her younger years with her beloved sister Sally Wiley Cherry in Norfolk. After graduating Granby High School she went away to Hollins College where she made many close friends and earned her bachelor's degree in studio art. She met James W (Bill) Brown and married in 1955.
James W Brown III (Bill) was born in 1956 and daughter Beth in 1964. After Bill graduated seminary he began his life as an Episcopal priest and Joan helped even though she was a somewhat reluctant preacher's wife. Her gifts of compassion and natural empathy made her a godsend to any church she found herself in. Her grace, humor and empathetic nature were put to good use.
Joan had caregivers that became friends. Real Adjharo and Ronke Asuquo meant the world to her.
When Joan began painting again she took up right where she left off. She won several art shows and sold paintings. She shared her love of painting and her talent with her granddaughter, Peyton Williams (Nathan). Her grandchildren Mattie Brown (26), Rob Brown (May), and Seth Blackburn (Tonya) and several great grandchildren were all her pride and joy.
Joan always saw the world through rose colored glasses. She was always positive and optimistic even through the hard times. She was a lover of chocolate and a deep belly laugh.
She believed her kitty Squash would come running when she saw him again along with many beloved pets over her lifetime. Joan touched many lives and she saw beauty in all of them.
She will be missed.