Joan C. Brown

In Loving Memory of

Joan Carol Brown

Joan Carol Brown, 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Virginia Beach on October 2, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy shaped by love, grace, perseverance and quiet strength.

Joan was preceded in death by her devoted husband, George, CMDR, USN, and her dear sister, Phyllis Baker. She is survived by her loving children: sons Thomas Brown and David Brown; daughters Janice Edgar and Sharon Brown; daughters-in-law Julie, Anneliesje, and Janet; seven grandchildren, Daniel (Ariana) Brown, Katherine Brown, Holly (Nelson) Flaniken, Victoria (Dave) Adams, George (Megan) Brown, Jack Brown, and Jessica (Matt) Maisano; and five great-grandchildren, Madeline (9), Weston (7), and Eliza (3) Flaniken; Blakely (2) Brown; and Elio (2) Maisano. Each generation is blessed and guided by Joan’s steadfast love.

Joan was born on December 25, 1932, in Yonkers, New York, and spent much of her childhood in North Bergen, New Jersey. She met the love of her life, George P. Brown, on a blind date that included roller coasters, malted milkshakes, and sunbathing on Coney Island. Their marriage began a lifetime of love, family, and adventure together.

During the early years of their marriage, Joan and her family moved from one naval station to another, living from coast to coast as they followed George’s Navy career. In 1972, they settled in Virginia Beach, a place that would become their permanent home and the heart of their family life. Here, Joan watched all four of her children grow up and graduate from Princess Anne High School before going on to build their own wonderful careers and families. Virginia Beach has been home to Joan and many of the family for more than five decades.

Joan will be remembered for her style of casual elegance and her self-deprecating sense of humor. She loved gathering her family and friends together for celebrations, and she had a subtle gift for making each of her children and grandchildren feel uniquely special.

Throughout her life, Joan volunteered for many organizations including the Red Cross, Head Start, PTA, Band Parents, and the annual Flotsam and Jetsam Flea Market. Joan also loved cross-stitching and created many beautiful keepsakes for her children and grandchildren. After raising her children, she worked at Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists for many years where she was known for her kindness and dedication.

Having come from limited means as a child, she never took for granted the abundant blessings she and George received through their hard work as a Navy family. These blessings included realizing her lifelong dream of living on the water when she moved into a lovely retirement community on the Chesapeake Bay 25 years ago.

Joan’s life was a gift, and the unconditional love she shared will continue to guide and unite her family. She will be deeply missed.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 24, at 3 p.m. at Lynnhaven Colony Congregational Church, 2217 W. Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. The reception and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore or to another organization dedicated to feeding those in need.