Joanna C. Brown
Obituary
On September 2, 2023, Joanna C. Brown passed to heaven to be with her lord and savior. She was born on July 4, 1937, in Grafton, West Virginia. She resided in Gilroy, California after living most of her adult life in San Jose and Morgan Hill, California. She was preceded in passing by her husband of 55 years Michael L Brown, and her parents Joseph Reeves and Rita Janet Coon.
In her early years, Joanna lived in many states due to her parents' employment positions including Louisiana, New York, Kentucky, Ohio. She graduated high school from Holy Names Academy in Seattle, Washington where she was the class president and valedictorian. She completed her Associates of Arts Degree with Honors from San Jose City College. She worked as a
paraprofessional at Edenvale Elementary School in San Jose then later for the Oak Grove School District Office.
Joanna was truly a faithful servant, and an extraordinary woman. She loved helping others in her family, community, and church. She was instrumental in the startup of Saint Maria Goretti Catholic Church, then later Christ the King. She taught church catechism classes, attended Bible study groups, volunteered as a Eucharist Minister, and worked with the Edenvale Home and School Club. Her compassionate spirit, positive life outlook, and loving nature were inspirations to all.
Joanna was the matriarch of a large loving family, and is survived by her 8 children, 31 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Joanna is survived by her children and their spouses Anita (Danny) Gallardo, Mary Jo (Buzzy) Preshaw, Reeves (Natalie) Brown, Drew (Debbie) Brown, Danny (Kari) Brown, Kennedy (Terri) Brown, Virginia (Paul) Basgall,
Norman (Monica) Brown.
Donations can be made in her name to Christ the King Catholic Church, 5284 Monterey Hwy, San Jose, Ca. 95111 Donation Link https://www.wesharegiving.org/app/giving/WeShare-20001411
Family and Friends will have a Mass, and Memorial Service, at Christ the King Catholic Church on October 16, 2023, at 11 am.
Published in Morgan Hill Times · September 14, 2023