Jo Anne Brown

JoAnne Brown, born September 26, 1933, daughter of a traveling musician and stay at home mom, found great joy as the spirited, charming, petite head-cheerleader of the North Dallas Bulldogs, class of 1952. In the year after graduating, she fell in love with a navy veteran and music lover, Harry Brown. JoAnne married Harry and followed him to the shores of the Colorado River, where he completed his business degree at University of Texas, Austin. Here, Penny, their first child, was born.

2 years later Harry’s career took the new family to New York - Harry working in midtown Manhattan, their apartment a train ride away in Irvington on the mighty Hudson River. Paul, their second child, was born here.

In 1964, a job promotion with the Nekoosa Edwards Paper Company prompted another migration to another majestic river - the Wisconsin, where their third child David was born. In Port Edwards, JoAnne thrived - making her home, making many meals for family and friends, and making many people smile. With Harry, she hosted many parties, backyard gatherings, holiday dinners, and 4th of July parades. She loved her dogs, fall weather, football, boating, planting in her flower beds, and absolutely cherished her summer vacations in Ephraim Wisconsin. She was devoted to her children - and their friends. Sleepovers were popular at the Brown household. She served on school committees and on the school board of John Edwards High School.

A year after Harry’s death in 1999, occurring far earlier than any would have wished, her life adventures continued, moving to California in 2001 to be closer to her family. In 2006 she moved back to Texas to reconnect with dear high school classmates. Satisfied that her Texas barbecue and boogie days were complete, JoAnne took a road trip out west again in 2014, to spend the rest of her quiet happy life in the fair weather of California. Making fewer meals and hosting fewer parties, she graciously sponsored many family dinners at her favorite restaurants - always starting with her favorite martini, a glass of ice and a spoon, and always insisting that we finish with crème brûlée.

A year ago, her family gathered around her for a wonderful 90th birthday celebration and this year she celebrated her 91st with a musical concert and a special meal in her honor along with eight others also celebrating September birthdays in her assisted living community. On October 11, 2024 she died peacefully in her home after loving visits and messages from friends and family in her final weeks. She was a woman of bubbles and sparkles. Her presence, her style, her smile, and grace will be missed by all whom she has touched along the way.

JoAnne is survived by Penny (Bob) Remiker, Berkeley, California, Paul (Lori) Brown, Temecula California, and David (Kendra) Brown, Waconia, Minnesota. She is also survived by grandchildren Drew (Nina) and great-grandchildren Ella and Amani, Oakland, CA. Adriane (Ryan) Bagley and great-granddaughter Brooklyn, San Diego, CA. Grandchildren Kathryn Brown, Grass Valley, CA, Alex Brown, Irvine, CA, and Cassandra (Rob) Gough, Dorado, Puerto Rico.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Herman-Taylor Funeral Home 2201 Chestnut St. Wisconsin Rapids WI. on Monday, November 11, 2024, with burial to follow at Port Edwards Cemetery.