Joyce T. Brown

The beginning of Joyce’s Legacy … Joyce Clara Turner Brown, affectionally called “Peggy” by family and friends, was born on July 6, 1923 in Havre De’ Grace, Maryland to Bessie Turner and Henry Scott. Joyce and her brother Paul moved to Chester at an early age and were raised by their aunt, Edith Dorsey. Joyce attended the public schools in the city of Chester and graduated from Chester High School in 1942. She matriculated at Historically Black College (HBCU), Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia, where she earned a degree in Nursing. In her later years Joyce matriculated at West Chester University and University of Pennsylvania. Joyce enlisted into the United States Army after completing her degree from Hampton. She was among the first black nurses to experience battle during the Korean War. The Family Legacy… After her tour of duty, as a United States Army nurse, Joyce returned to Chester. She met and married, William “Bub” Brown. From this union, Joyce and Bub bore one child, William “Butch” Brown, “the apple of their eye”. Joyce and Bub, were among the great “power” couples of Chester. They worked tirelessly with various civic, fraternal and church groups. In addition, Joyce and Bub traveled the world while enjoying nearly 45 years of marriage before Bub’s death in 1985. The Professional Legacy… Joyce was the first Black school nurse hired in the Chester-Upland School District (CUSD). During her tenure, Joyce nurtured and provided the needed services for all children and was lauded for her excellence. Her career of untiring service included 20 years of service at Columbus Elementary School before retiring after 45 years of service to the District. The Civic Legacy… On June 15, 1949, Joyce helped to establish the Chester Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc. The Chester Club, received their official charter, October 20, 1949. As a charter member, Joyce’s nurturing spirit brought growth to this burgeoning organization. She gave her best while mentoring and training women. Joyce remained active in the Chester Club for many years, as long as her health allowed. Joyce became a member of XI Chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa in 1972. An active member, she served faithfully in various capacities of the chapter including the office of Basileus. Joyce and Bub supported HBCU, Cheyney University, and sponsored many young girls for the Chester Chapter, Cheyney Alumni Society’s Promise Cotillion. Included in Cheyney’s Promise Cotillion was her great niece and care giver, Reverend Lisa Dennis. Joyce and Bub were Life Members of the Chester Branch of the National Association of Colored People (NAACP). They attended the Annual Scholarship Awards Banquet and contributed to the many programs promoted by both the National Office and the local Branch in Chester. The Church Legacy… Joyce was a lifelong member of Murphy for over 70 years and was active among the various auxiliaries of the church and served generously. In addition, Joyce’s melodious soprano voice graced the Senior Choir. She was a featured soloist, on many occasions during Sunday worship. Joyce became a member of the Ellen Tyree Missionary Society of Murphy and was catapulted into many high-level positions of the Conference Missionary Society and Lay organization of the church. Joyce was an integral part of the church, the Delaware conference and First Episcopal District, serving as President of the Women’s Missionary Society for many years. Joyce also worked alongside Bishop Frank Curtis Cummings and his wife, Martha C. Cummings at the First Episcopal District Offices in Philadelphia. Joyce was an integral influence on the groundbreaking and building of the First Episcopal District Headquarters now located at 3801 Market Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Joyce traveled as a missionary for the A.M.E. Church across the entire USA, Africa, Bermuda and other places abroad helping to spread the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Joyce traveled the highways and byways always in the company of her road buddies, Mary Faush, Janet Marshall and Evelyn Coxen. Joyce was a delegate to the Delaware Conference and General Conference of the A.M.E. church for a period spanning 50 years. However, Joyce never took her positions or titles for granted, always praising the Lord and proclaiming “To God Be the Glory”! The end of the Legacy… As Joyce’s health began to fail, she traveled less and stayed close to home. Joyce was blessed to have her family as caregivers. Joyce’s niece Bernice Dorsey cared for her along with her great niece Lisa Dennis. In addition, her son, Butch and granddaughter, Paula, provided love, care and support. Joyce was pre-deceased by her parents Bessie Turner and Henry Scot, , brother Paul Augustus Dorsey, aunt Edith Dorsey, husband William and daughter-in law, Rosalee Patricia. Joyce is survived by her son, William “Butch” Brown, granddaughter Paula Brown, her niece and caregiver, Bernice Dorsey and great niece Lisa Dennis, goddaughter, Donna Mims (Osceola) and godson, Donzelle Tiller, her church family and a host of family and friends.

Joyce T. Brown

July 6, 1923 - April 23, 2022