Joyce Elizabeth Brown-Carney

“I’ve fought the good fight,I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 Joyce Elizabeth Brown-Carney, transitioned peacefully at her home in Newport News, Virginia. She was born January 16, 1946 in Isle of Wight County, VA to the late Thelma Williams Bagner and Emanuel D. Smith. She was preceded in death by her son, Phillip B. Brown, Jr., brother, David Smith, sister, Ann S. Robinson, grandson, Nathan-Michael Smith, and bonus father, James R. Bagner, Sr. Joyce attended Isle of Wight County Public Schools. She united with Christian Home Baptist Church at an early age and served faithfully in the Ushers and Food Pantry ministries until declining health. Joyce also enjoyed the ministries of Sweet Haven Holy Church of God and often spoke of Bishop Nathaniel Johnson and his ministry. She was a former employee of Marshalls Department Store and retired from General Electric Plant. Joyce was an avid Bingo player and loved being surrounded by her bingo family who referred to as “Mama Joyce.” Good food and laughter was her trademark. She found joy preparing her children's favorite foods. Left to cherish her memories, her children, Nathan W. Smith (Terry) of Chesapeake, VA; Keith Brown (Barbara) of Newport News, VA; Wanda Mathis of Jacksonville, FL; Kerry Brown Sr., of Newport News, VA; Shayvonne Edwards of Newport News, VA; and Sean Brown (Dion) of Newport News, VA; her brothers, Marvin Williams of Portsmouth, VA; Morris Williams (Diedre) of Phoenix, AZ, and James Bagner, Jr. (Lorisa) of Suffolk, VA; her sisters, Eartheree Williams, Tammie Barnes (Milton) and Lee Cherry (Vincent); Seventeen grandchildren; Twenty-one great-grandchildren; devoted friends, Regina Haynes, Shirley Randall, and Vernon Godwin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. A Celebration of Life Graveside Service will be held 11:00AM on Tuesday, November 16,2021 at Christian Home Baptist Church Cemetery, Windsor, Va. Viewing will take place from 4-6PM Monday, November 15, 2021 at the Chapel. Please keep the family in your prayers. View Video Tribute