Joanne Cooper Brown

Joann Cooper Brown, daughter of the late Annie Palmer Cooper and Sam Cooper, was born on November 19, 1922 in Georgetown County, South Carolina. She entered into eternal life surrounded by her family on Sunday night, January 17, 2021. She was the eldest of four siblings, Louis Sr., Fred, and Bettye Cooper Crosland, all who preceded her into eternal life.

She gave her life to Jesus Christ at an early age at New Ebenezer A. M.E. Church. As a lifetime member she has served as President of the Missionary Society, President of Steward Board No. 4, President of the Pulpit and Aide Club, a Class Leader, and member of the Ebenaire Choir.

Joann Cooper Brown graduated from Mullins Colored High School and went on to Cannolene Beauty School in Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating from Cannolene Beauty School, she returned home and started her own business, Joann’s Beauty Salon; with three beauticians who worked for her in her salon. Later she attended the University of South Carolina for Teaching Cosmetology. 

After working several years in her business establishment and listening to the problems and needs of the people, she decided to work part-time helping people in the community and county.  Joann went on to join VISTA (Volunteer Inservice Training of America), where she received her training in Atlanta, Georgia.  After being trained and returning home, she served as the Supervisor for the Neighborhood Program.  She also worked with the Clemson University Extension Nutrition Program.  Joann was instrumental in the opening of the Senior Citizen Center in Mullins and served as its first manager.  

Joann Cooper Brown was a Charter Member of Palmetto Chapter No. 262, Order of the    Eastern Star, President of the Palmetto Beautician Club, Member of the Marion County Council on Aging Board of Directors, Mullins Chamber of Commerce, and a Lifetime Member of the NAACP.  She was always willing and ready to provide service to her community, which included working with Voter Registration, Civil Rights, and driving the girls basketball team to games throughout the state before there were school buses.  She was an encourager, always providing uplifting words and sound counsel.

Joann Cooper Brown married her high school sweetheart, Edward Lee Brown and to this union five children were born:  Robert Edward, William Edward (both sons who preceded her into eternal life), Cynthia Vertell, Anne Schenese, and KarCelia Daisyette.

She leaves to cherish her memories her three daughters: Reverend Cynthia Vertell Brown, Anne Brown Scott (David), KarCelia Brown German (Anthony, Sr.) and daughter-in-law Mary Gerald Brown, Baltimore, MD; one brother-in-law James Thompson, Columbia, SC; eleven grandchildren: Chris, Marcus, Anissa, Gerald, Phillip, Daniel, Kevin, Jene’, Anthony, Jr., Brian, and, David, Jr., thirteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many relatives and friends.

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