Joyce Ann Brown

Joyce Ann Stocker Dowling Brown, 74, of Leawood, Kansas passed away February 16, 2022. She was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan the daughter of Carl and Betty (Plummer) Stocker. Survivors include her husband Richard L. Brown; daughter Andrea Roemer of Tucson, AZ; son Brian Dowling of Green Bay, WI; four grandchildren, Giselle, Willow, Brandon, and Zachary; a sister, Sharon Caponetto of Independence, MO; a brother, Bruce Stocker of Frisco, TX. Also, surviving are nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Joyce graduated from Ruskin High School in 1965. She attended Washington University in St Louis under an academic scholarship. She received both her Bachelor of Arts- Education degree and Master of Arts- Education degree from the University of Missouri- Kansas City. She retired in 2008 from the Blue Valley School District (USD 229) where she was an Elementary Library Media Specialist.

In addition to being an elementary librarian, she was a loving mother, wife, and grandmother. She loved reading, writing, and traveling. She and Rich traveled extensively, often with friends, both in the USA and internationally. An avid walker, she and Rich once trekked with the central hills and rugged coast of Italy’s Cinque Terre region. During their travels she developed her photography skills and was able to capture the uniqueness of people and places they visited. She and Rich purchased an RV (5th wheel Travel Trailer) to enhance their U.S.A. journeys. They even modified it to avoid the breathtaking odor from the ever-present litter box of their beloved cats.

Joyce also owned rental property with Rich and became a wall tile expert. She used those landlady experiences as well as those from being a cat owner, librarian, and real estate sales representative in creating many of the characters in The Psycho Cat and the Landlady Series Books. One of the books was set in the Brookside area of Kansas City.

Even after developing her writing skills, she enjoyed participating in several writing groups. Her writings included short stories, blogs, and co-writing with her grandchildren.

Upon retiring she embraced her love of gardening and cooking. She fought many battles with rabbits (losing more often than winning) and bugs that visited her gardens.

Once a week, for 14 years, Joyce and friends explored trails in the Kansas City area. They never failed to see what was just over the next hill. One of her favorites was Weston Bend State Park trail in early spring. She also walks many trails in Arizona where she and Rich maintained their winter home.

Joyce loved to write stories and she lived a storied life herself. Through her years as an elementary librarian, Joyce touched many lives in a very positive way. She will be missed by her family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 25 at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO.