April 9, 1951 - Sept. 19, 2008

Joyce Ann Brown, 57, of Albany passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Friday after a brave battle against cancer.

She was born in Astoria to John and Louise (Pierson) Hendrickson. She grew up in Astoria, graduating with honors from Astoria High School in 1969 and going on to Oregon State University, where she graduated with honors. She received her bachelor's degree in home economics in 1973, then went on to receive a master's of education in 1984.

Joyce married her college sweetheart, Gary True Brown, on Dec. 30, 1972, in Astoria. Together they had two daughters, Jennifer Cyrus, now of Albany, and Theresa Stone, now of Salem.

In addition to her husband and two daughters, she is survived by three sisters, Patricia Heiner and husband George, Nancy Junes and husband Brad, and Elaine Mart and husband Brian, all of Astoria; numerous nieces and nephews; two sons-in-law, John Cyrus of Albany and Andy Stone of Salem; and five grandchildren, Evan, Garrett and Camden Cyrus of Albany, and Alyssa and Sydney Stone of Salem.

She was preceded in death by both her parents, John Hendrickson and Louise (Pierson) Hendrickson.

Joyce loved sewing, cross-stitching and spending time with her family. She helped to care for her grandchildren and loved attending every event they participated in.

Joyce was a life-long teacher, staying home with her children until they entered school then returning to work teaching others. She began her career at Linn-Benton Community College in 1985 in the family resources department starting the Albany Family Literacy program, also known as Even Start, in 1992. During her time there she managed to reach more than 350 families, graduating more than any other family literacy program in the state. Joyce most recently received the Mario and Alma Pastega Faculty Excellence Award for the most outstanding faculty at LBCC.

Joyce was also very involved in the community. As her children were growing up she was involved with the school parent teacher association and booster club, and was a leader for 4-H groups in cooking and sewing. She was also on the board of directors for Mighty Oaks Children's Therapy Center, where her grandson received therapy.

There will be a viewing from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Fisher Funeral Home. A service will be at 2 p.m. Friday in the Takena Theater at LBCC followed by a reception celebrating Joyce's life. She will be laid to rest near her home, at Palestine Cemetery in Albany.

Memorial contributions may be made to either Mighty Oaks Children's Therapy Center or The Joyce Brown Memorial ABE/GED Grant, sent in care of Fisher Funeral Home, 306 Washington St. S.W., Albany, OR 97321 (www.fisherfuneralhome.com).