Tuesday, November 11, 2025 10:34 am

Joyce Elizabeth Porter Brown, of Shelby, passed away at her home on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

A native of Cleveland County, she was a daughter of the late E.P. Porter and Aileen Stirewalt Porter. She was a graduate of Waco High School and Howard's Business College in Shelby. Joyce was Girls' Marble Champion in High School where she also played softball and was in the Glee Club. She participated in the Miss Shelby Pageant while in college.

Joyce was a member of Elizabeth Baptist Church since 1950 where she played on the softball team, wrote the church news for the Shelby Star, played for the children's choir for 30 years, becoming affectionately known as "Miss Piano Joyce," and played piano for Vacation Bible School for 26 years. She was the former organist and secretary at Eastside Baptist Church in Shelby, and West End Baptist Church in Gaffney, and later served as the secretary at Second Baptist Church in Shelby.

She is survived by her former husband, Doug Brown Sr.; son, Doug Brown Jr.; daughter, Susan "Susie" Porter Brown, of Shelby; and grandchildren, Stevie Brown and Judson "Jud" Brown. She is also survived by her niece, Renee Wilson and husband Terry, of Fallston; nephew, P.J. Cook, of Grover; and great-nephews, Dustin Wilson and Zack Wilson, of Fallston, and Justin Cook, of Grover.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister and best friend, Doris "Sis" Cook, on March 9, 2021; and her beloved maltese puppy, Charlie Brown on February 11, 2009.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at Elizabeth Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. Rit Varriale officiating. Interment of the ashes will follow in the church cemetery with a memorial reception following in the life center.

Her family wishes to express tremendous gratitude to Helping Hand Nursing Services, and devoted caregivers, Laurel, Sandy, Vivian, Kathy, Rosa, Faye, Teresa, Rebecca, and Donna. Her family also wishes to express appreciation to VIA Health partners and her nurse, Cynthia Cook, for their support and compassion.

Any memorials may be made to Elizabeth Baptist Church Building Fund (301 North Post Rd., Shelby, NC 28152), the Greater Cleveland County Baptist Association (1175 Wyke Rd., Shelby, NC 28150), or to the Cleveland County Senior Center (100 T.R. Harris Dr., Shelby, NC 28150).

Online condolences can be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family.