Wilma Joyce Brown

Wilma Joyce Brown, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at Baptist Memorial Hospital Calhoun on October 30, 2026, in Calhoun City, Mississippi. She was born on November 13, 1941, in Calhoun County, MS.

Wilma Joyce was a member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, where she found solace and strength in her faith. She worked as a factory worker, beginning her career at Glenn Stacks Garment Factory and continuing at Brookwood Furniture, where she dedicated many years to her craft. A skilled seamstress, Wilma Joyce enjoyed making ruffled curtains and shared her culinary talents by delighting friends and family with her famous fried apple pies and tea cakes.

A woman who loved the outdoors, Wilma Joyce found joy in tending to her flowers and yard work. She had a special love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who filled her life with laughter and love. Wilma Joyce is survived by her daughters, Pam (Harold) Ward of Bruce, MS and Mitzi (Doug) Orlando of Banner, MS; her son, Lanny Brown of Bruce, MS; her sister, Helen Bullard of Tupelo, MS; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Colton (Ashley) Ward Madison, MS, Jeremy (Daraka) Brown of Calhoun City, MS, Corey (Lauren) Ward of Rome, GA, Brad (Amber) Andrews of New Albany, MS, Carla (Jeff) Howell of Vardaman, MS, and Andrew Keen of Banner, MS, along with great-grandchildren; Mack, Zac, Eli, Niels, Mauer, and Lettie Ward, Conner, Cohen, and Canyon Brown, Chelsea, Kaiden, Presley, and Kamden Walls. Brantley and Aubrey Andrews. A special thanks to Ms. Judy James and Ms. Robin Nix, Wilma Joyce's long time caregivers, who took very good care of her.

Wilma Joyce's favorite scripture was the 23rd Psalm, a reflection of her faith: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."

A funeral service will be held in Wilma Joyce's honor on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2:00 PM with Bro. Joey Hamilton officiating at Parker Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Bruce, Mississippi. Prior to the service, a public visitation will take place from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the same location. Following the service, Wilma Joyce will be laid to rest at Bruce Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Brad Andrews, Jeremy Brown, Doug Orlando, Colton Ward, Corey Ward, and Harold Ward.

Wilma Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Homer Clayton Brown; father, Powell Anderson Mills; mother, Margaret Vanlandingham Mills; son, Boyce Clayton Brown; sisters Hazel May, Barbara McCormick, and Kathleen Warren; brothers, Larry Mills, Billy Wayne Mills, and Jimmy Earl Mills.

The staff of Parker Memorial Funeral Home is honored to be of service to the Brown Family in their time of need.