JoAnn Louise Brazier-Price

Joann Brazier-Price, a native of Pacific Grove California, was born to Ruby, and Odis Brazier (both deceased) in October 1937. In the 40's as a child, Joann, her mother, and grandmother represented the community by entertaining our black military men at an afternoon vesper service which was held each Sunday afternoon and dancing to recorded music in the evening. This was done at the "black" USO which was located in Monterey on Pearl Street.

Joann became very interested in music at an early age, and was mentored and played her first musical piece at the age of four and a half, under the direction of Elnora Cossie Jones (deceased) of the 1st Baptist Church of Pacific Grove.

She attended Pacific Grove High School, and graduated in 1955. While there, she dedicated her major interest to the study of music by participating in the Glee Club, Honor Chorus, Band and Orchestra. Whenever there was a talent show, you could always find her whole-heartedly participating by singing or acting with the drama class.

Joann later went on to study at Sherwood Music School of Chicago, having received a full two-year scholarship awarded to her by the California Baptist State Convention. She has received numerous certificates, plaques and honors for her music which also includes violin, cello, in the orchestra, and drums in the marching and honor band. Joann has traveled as far as North Carolina, and Washington D.C. to play and sing for the Lord.

Ruby Brazier (mother) led Joann to First Baptist Church at an early age, and later the family moved their membership to the Friendship Baptist Church of Seaside under the pastorage of Rev. W.W. Wells. She was a member of F.B.C for nineteen years, and played for the youth choir, and later became the musician for the Friendship Baptist Church. During the 19 years however, "Friendship" had many musicians coming and going, so Joann was able to assist other churches in their music ministry. They were: Community Baptist Church (Rev. U.S. Metters), Oceanview Baptist Church (Rev. G.E. Ellis), New Hope Baptist Church (Rev. J.W. Paige), and periodically Holy Assembly B.C. Church (Rev's Anderson and Slade).

In the year 1960, Bethel Baptist Church was seeking a musician, and having many friends who were members of that church, she was asked to assist their choir (8 voices) in their ministry. The pastor at that time was Rev. Elroy Day. Rev. H.H. Lusk was chosen to pastor Bethel a year later, and is still the pastor today. That was 48 Years ago. Joann has been using her gift for 64 years, and today has the distinct honor of being the oldest member of Bethel Baptist Church (49 years), and the undisputed oldest, continually working gospel musician in the county of Monterey!

You may see Joann at just about any church in the area, where she readily helps out when needed, to include funerals, and memorial services. She has been working in the funeral home business for over 25 years, and is employed by Seaside funeral home, but will assist any funeral home when needed.

She not only has played for all the Baptist churches in the area, but also included is the Methodist, Episcopalian, and Korean (Baptist) Church! Due to a shortage of area musicians, Joann is also assisting the Seaside Seventh-Day Adventist Church, (Rev. Frederick Anderson) on Saturday; the early Sunday morning service at First Baptist Church, Pacific Grove (Rev. Richard Nance); and then makes her way to service (11:30) at her own church, Bethel Baptist Church in Seaside.

Joann retired from MPUSD, and after retiring became a charter coach operator for Discovery Charter. She drove her bus for four and a half years, but was forced to give up driving in-order to give full-time care to her eldest daughter. Even though Joann loves to drive, and fully enjoyed touring with her bus, she realizes that one of the most important things in life is loving and caring for your family!

Joann is a pillar of our community, and diligently offers her assistance at memorial or funeral services. Any where a musician is needed, Joann is always readily available. She is a member of St. John District Baptist Association, and will take her keyboard with her whenever she goes to the annual meetings, to insure that there is always some type of music whether she plays or assists another fellow musician.

She is the mother of five children (three daughters, and two sons), nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Her one sibling Russell Shaffer (Carole) lives in Fremont CA, and one of her fervent prayers is that he will get to know the Lord and reap all of His benefits just as she does.

Joann believes that "only what you do for Christ will last", and that whatever you do, do it willingly, lovingly, not begrudged, and without regard for personal gain! She further believes that if only one person is helped or blessed by her that "her living will not be in vain"!

The Lord has blessed her to reach three-score, and then some, but one day her journey will be completed. Her one desire is to be a "servant", and leave her mark in the world. She longs to hear Him say, "WELL DONE MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT"! Until that day, you will be able to look up and see her just about anywhere, and at anytme