Joyce Elizabeth (Underwood) Brown

Joyce Elizabeth Underwood Brown, age 91, of Knoxville, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of love, education, and community service. Born in Dayton, Ohio, Joyce was a devoted wife to Willard E. Brown, whom she married in 1953. Their love story began at the tender age of 15, blossomed through over 50 years of cherished memories, and became a testament to enduring companionship.

In 1955, Joyce and Willard relocated to Knoxville, where they became active members of Sevier Heights Baptist Church. Her passion for education inspired her to dedicate 30 remarkable years to teaching first and second grades in Knoxville City and Knox County schools, shaping the lives of countless young minds with her warmth and wisdom.

Joyce is survived by her three children: Tom Brown (Janet), Diane Kerr (David), and Rob Brown (Cheryl). Her family tree flourished with love, as she was a proud grandmother to Matthew (Erin), Katie (Trevor) Hawn, Lee (fiancé Valerie), Rocky Kerr (Tara), and Matt Anderson (Jennie). Joyce took immense joy in her role as a great-grandmother to Kellan, Ryland, Brayden, Tucker, Beckett, Celestine, Sophia, Jacob, and Henry.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John Murray Underwood and Francis Viola Arnott Underwood, her in-laws Robert Frank Brown and Gracie May Brown, her brother Alvin Underwood, and sister-in-law Wilma (Darrell) Bryan, whose memories she holds dear. Joyce is also survived by her sister-in-law Linda Parmley Underwood and beloved nieces and nephews, including Amy Fine, Beth King, and Michael Bryan, as well as the late Tony Bryan.

Joyce treasured her friendships and looked forward to her Thursday lunch outings with her close friends Rosie, Lib, Charlotte, Carolyn, and Lois. An animal lover at heart, she filled her home with pets who enriched her life, the last being her cherished dog, Fred.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at South High Senior Living and the hospice team from Gentiva, especially Chaplain Spencer Taylor, who will conduct her graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joyce's memory to the American Heart Association and the Pat Summitt Foundation.

Joyce Elizabeth Underwood Brown will be profoundly missed, yet she will live on in the hearts and minds of all who were blessed to know her. Her unwavering spirit and love for life will continue to inspire all those she touched.

A graveside service will be held at Stock Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, located at 8106 Martin Mill Pike, Knoxville, TN, 37920, United States. The service is scheduled for December 13, 2025, at 11:00 am.