Joyce Brown Stewart

Born December 11, 1930, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Lee Brown, Jr. and Mattie Verna Ross Brown, Joyce graduated from Southwestern University in Georgetown in 1952 and spent the remainder of her life in Austin. A lifelong educator, she taught kindergarten and preschool for over 40 years, touching the lives of hundreds of children and their families with her warmth, wisdom, and loving care.

She was married for 51 years to Gus Palmer Stewart, who preceded her in death in 2004. For the past 15 years, Joyce lived independently at Westminster, where she was surrounded by dear friends and supported by a compassionate, dedicated staff. The family is deeply grateful to the Westminster team for their exceptional care and kindness throughout the years.

A devoted member of Tarrytown United Methodist Church (TUMC) for more than 60 years, Joyce served in numerous lay leadership roles and found deep connection within the Faith class. She lived a joy-filled, purposeful life—bringing light, grace, and steadiness to those around her. She consistently chose joy and gratitude, leaving those around her with a lasting sense of warmth and light.

Joyce is survived by her children, Jeffrey Stewart, and Courtney Ortiz; her son-in-law, Martin Ortiz; grandchildren Jake Ryan, Sydney Ryan, and Kiley Ortiz; great-granddaughter Ainsley Ryan; and several beloved cousins and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings William Brown and Nancy Pelton, and sister-in-law Jean Stewart.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home (Parkcrest location). A memorial service celebrating Joyce’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 13 at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary, followed by a reception in the fellowship hall at Tarrytown United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Endowment Fund at Tarrytown United Methodist Church in her honor.