Joyce M. Brown

Joyce M. Brown, 85, formerly of Kansas City, Mo., passed away Thursday, August 30, 2018, with her family by her side. She was a retired executive with the state of Missouri, leading several roles within the Office of the Governor, Office of Administration and launching the Office for Civil Rights, within the Department of Social Services. She was a founding organizer of the Southern Christian Leadership Council (SCLC) of Kansas City, Mo. She demonstrated a strong commitment to her faith, having served as minister and Spiritual Leader in the Unity Church, founding the Unity Church of Peace in Jefferson City, Mo. Previously, she served as an evangelist missionary at Greater Holy Temple COGIC, Kansas City, Mo. She was a graduate of The Conservatory of Music at UMKC and attended Avila and Ottawa University. She is survived by her two sons, Gregory Booker and Shelly (Lynette) Brown, and two grandchildren, Kelsey Booker and Brandon Brown. Joyce was preceded in death by Elford Booker and Clenon R. Brown, and her parents, Perry and Amelia Marshall. A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018, at Maple Hill Funeral Home, Kansas City, Kan. from 10-11 a.m., with a memorial service starting at 11 a.m.. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Kidney Fund (www.kidneyfund.org).