Joyce Laverne Gilliam Brown was born on March 7, 1936, to Geneva and Lovies Gilliam. Nicknamed “Joycie-Girl” by her beloved Grandma Mit (paternal grandmother), and lovingly dubbed “Re-Joyce” by her uncle Robert Lee Gilliam. Re-Joyce was an only child, but she was soon joined by her cousins, Francis and Alverta. Francis and Joyce, though cousins by birth, were sisters by lifestyle. Their parents dressed them alike. They loved one another and learned to laugh early and often. The two were the early definition of “Diva Twins.”
Joyce was an overachiever from an early age at Presbyterian Church Kindergarten in Norfolk. She was an honor student at John T. West Elementary and again stood out at Booker T. Washington Highschool, where she met her most cherished lifelong friend Rebecca Brown with whom she would later partner for story-telling performances as “Lottie & Mag.” Joyce became a public speaker very early in life.
She received commendations and accolades as an orator and public speaker throughout elementary school and high school. She gained early admission, at the age of sixteen to Virginia State College, Norfolk Campus, later moving to the Petersburg Campus, which was lovingly knick-named “the Thrill on the Hill.” After graduating College, Joyce took her first teaching job at John Good Elementary School in Norfolk, Va. Like many African-Americans who left the south seeking better opportunities in the North, Joyce migrated to New York City in the late 1950s, to pursue graduate studies at Columbia University Teacher’s College.
While studying at Columbia, Joyce met and married Cleveland Brown. After receiving their Masters’ Degrees at Columbia, Joyce and Cleveland took teaching positions in White Plains, New York, where they would also raise three children, Barry, an accomplished business executive, Bertram, an aspiring musician (deceased), and Deirdra an esteemed Lawyer and former Assistant United States Attorney. Joyce would teach in the White Plains City School System for thirty-three years, at Church Street, and Post Road Elementary Schools, before launching a second career as a storyteller, folklorist and motivational speaker in the 1990s. Lovingly dubbed “the Griot” (storyteller), Joyce traveled domestically and internationally to gather stories of the African diaspora, spending an extended period in Lagos, Nigeria. She received multiple acknowledgements for the joy she spread through Story Teller, including a commendation issued by the General Assembly of the State of Virginia and coverage in the New York Times.
Through her passion, Joyce inspired young and old. Joyce had a “posse” even before the word was hip. . . .before Gladys had a pip, Diana had a supreme or Isaac Hayes was bald. Her most cherished “posse” were the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc; she was a true evangelist for the pink and green. Her beloved network also included a posse of lose friends in New York, and Virginia. Joyce cherished her faith, and was a long-time, dedicated member of First Baptist Church, Bute Street, Norfolk. As a member, she supported and volunteered her time to work with the Children at READY Christian Academy. Other lifetime memberships included the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women, Inc., the N.A.A.C.P., and Black Storytellers of America.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Cleveland Brown, her son Bertram Brown, her parents Geneva Gilliam Revell (for whom she was a loving caregiver) and Lovies Gilliam, and her beloved step father Thomas Revell. She is survived by her Aunt Velma Gilliam (age 93), her son Barry Brown and daughter Deirdra Brown (husband John Watson) and her cousins Frances Giddons, Alverta Littles, and Sam Allen, and her closest friend Rebecca Brown. She is loved and will be missed by her God-children Jasper Brown and Mika Twyman, a host of other cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Joyce Gilliam Brown transitioned to the next world on Friday, July 19, 2019, at 8:45 pm. The family thanks you for your prayers of love and support. Joyce Gilliam Brown will be interred in the Gilliam Family plot at Calvary Cemetery in Norfolk, Virginia.
Condolences(13)-
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BRENDA J WIGGINS says
July 23, 2019 at 11:13 amI am so sorry for the loss of our family member, Aunt Joyce. She was a prime example of God’s love for all to see. Aunt Joyce, I love you and will definitely miss you.
Charles Sr., Ernestine, Charles Jr., and Stacy says
July 23, 2019 at 7:05 pmSympathy from the Denegall Family
Brenda Bandy-Taylor says
July 23, 2019 at 8:28 pmTo my cousin Joyce(Joycey Girl)
I ‘m sorry to see you go,but oh the wonderful memories you’ve left with me. I will always smile and remember the times we shared family conversations. Thank you for all the pleasant memories and moments.
Cousin Brenda Bandy-Taylor
Fredericksburg Virginia
Monica Whitaker says
July 25, 2019 at 2:46 pmMy sincere sympathy and love to the Gilliam-Brown family. May God’s peace be your strength. Mrs. Brown was a dear friend of my mother, Fannie Gallop.
Donna L. Dabney says
July 25, 2019 at 9:41 pmI will truly miss our family friend and my dear Golden Soror, Aunt Joyce. I will treasure each story, (especially the ones about you, mom and Aunt Becky at Big State) and funny your jokes. I will always remember your infectious laughter and bright smile. I will remember your words of wisdom. Until we meet again, I love you Aunt Joyce.
Barbara H. Barnes says
July 26, 2019 at 2:38 pmMay God’s love give you comfort and peace. Memories are everlasting. Can’t forget my last visit on Augustine Rd. Becky and you entertained my grandsons with fun, laughter and so much joy and love. Until we meet again.
“The Mother”(Barbara)
Peggy S Christian says
July 26, 2019 at 4:00 pmI am going to really miss our wonderful and hilarious late night conversations. The stories that we shared were second to none, I will hold them dear in my heart.Rest peacefully Joycie Girl, you deserve it.
Yolanda Hudson Mines says
July 26, 2019 at 9:55 pmMy condolences to the Brown family. The love I have for Mrs. J Brown is everlasting. She inspired and encouraged me to be the woman I am today. She gave hugs, kisses and praises to her students. She was one of the first Black Teachers, well the only Black Teacher at Church Street Elementary School and a role model for so many of us in the community. Rest In Peace Angel. Forever My 3rd Grade Teacher. Class of 1987!
Mary G. says
July 28, 2019 at 6:30 pmI am so sorry to hear about the passing of Joyce. I pray that her loved ones always remember that God cares deeply for all of us and wants us to give all of our anxieties to him. He will comfort and strengthen us through any trial.
Kitty and Glen Gordon says
July 28, 2019 at 7:43 pmOur hearts are broken but the precious memories you have left behind will never be forgotten .A true true friend who was an honor to know.
Rest In Peace our dear Sis.
Kitty and Glen Gordon says
July 28, 2019 at 7:45 pmOur hearts are broken but the precious memories you have left behind will remain forever. .A true true friend who was an honor to know.
Rest In Peace our dear Sis.
beryl C Small says
July 29, 2019 at 10:21 amBeryl C. Small
My condolence to the Brown family . My memories of her are so much , and she has been like a “sister ” to me and my family both in White Plains, New York, and Jamaica W.I. She was a true friend, and a blessed one. All the good wishes and photos of her I will cherish.. May God be with you all in this trying time
Sincerely , Beryl
Ida Inez Wright says
September 9, 2019 at 9:31 amI send my sincerest condolences to the family of Joyce Gilliam Brown. Although Joyce and I had lost contact with each other. I do remember her from my days with the N.A.N.B.P.W. Inc. The Westchester County Club in White Plains I will never forget how special she made me feel when I was in her presence (warm and caring).
Family Be Blessed!!!