April 9, 1951 n Sept. 19, 2008

Joyce Ann Brown of Albany passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Friday, Sept. 19, after a brave battle against cancer.

She was born on April 9, 1951, 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, from which she graduated with honors. She received her bachelor's degree in home economics in 1973, then went on to receive a Master of Education degree in 1984.

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

In addition to her husband and two daughters, she is survived by three sisters: Patricia Heiner and her husband, George, Nancy Junes and her husband, Brad, and Elaine Mart and her 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 and 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 a member on the board of directors for Mighty Oaks Children's Therapy Center, where her grandson received therapy.

There will be a viewing Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Fisher Funeral Home. Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, in the Takena Theater at Linn-Benton Community College 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, in care of Fisher Funeral Home, 306 Washington St. S.W., Albany, OR 97321. (www.fisherfuneralhome.com)