Joan Myers Brown

Joan Lavern Myers Brown was born on December 13, 1935, in Monahans, Texas, to loving parents "Red" and Eunice Myers. She spent her childhood surrounded by her close-knit family, sharing countless memories with her sisters, Peggy Austin and Lajuanda Barnes, and her brother, John Myers. Even as a child, Joan’s warmth, generous spirit, and sharp sense of humor made a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her deep love for her family was the foundation of her life, and she built countless cherished bonds within their home.

On May 20, 1960, Joan married the love of her life, Leon Brown. Their partnership was a true testament to devotion and teamwork. Together, they settled in Durango, Colorado, and built a joyful, nurturing home filled with laughter and love. They raised three wonderful children—Melissa Johnson (Gordon Johnson), Todd Brown, and James Brown—instilling in them the values of kindness, hard work, and compassion. Joan poured her heart into motherhood, ensuring every day was filled with warmth, delicious home-cooked meals, and unwavering encouragement for each family member’s dreams and ambitions.

After her children were grown, Joan continued to nurture her love of learning by taking law classes. When the time came, she and Leon selflessly welcomed three of their grandchildren into their home, raising them as their own children with the same dedication, patience, and love that defined her motherhood.

Joan was a constant source of encouragement, always cheering on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at every game, performance, and milestone. Her kitchen was the heart of the home, where she cooked and baked with love—never failing to make enough food to feed a platoon. Joan prepared three hearty meals a day, making sure no one ever left her table hungry. Her compassion extended to animals as well, and she often brought home stray cats and dogs, giving them a place in the family. Known for her sharp wit and strong convictions, Joan was a proud Republican, a spitfire with a wonderful sense of humor. She was the family’s go-to source for spelling and math, earning a reputation as a walking dictionary and mental calculator.

In her final years, Joan resided at Rangely Hospital, where she spent seven years surrounded by compassionate caregivers and the unwavering devotion of her beloved husband, Leon. Every day, Leon faithfully visited, making sure Joan never felt alone. Together, they found comfort in the small yet meaningful moments—playing bingo and cards, listening to their favorite music, watching episodes of Gunsmoke, and sharing quiet afternoons gazing out at the deer and birds that frequented the hospital grounds. These simple joys became cherished routines, a testament to their enduring love and companionship through every season of life.

Joan’s legacy lives on in her devoted husband, Leon, who remained by her side through every chapter. She is also survived by her loving sister, Peggy, and brother, John. Her daughters, Melissa (Gordon), Ashley (Kory), and Amandie (Josh), continue to honor her memory, as do her grandchildren—Chelsea, Kayleigh, and Courtney—each of whom held a special place in her heart. Joan was deeply proud of her great-grandchildren: Hunter “her number one”, Paige, Kambri, Daylan, Peyton, Savannah, A.J., Melanie, Tayah, and Ethan, whose laughter and presence brought her immeasurable joy. Her family, both immediate and extended, was the center of her world, and her spirit will live on in their stories and memories.

Joan was preceded in death by her cherished parents, “Red” and Eunice, as well as her beloved sister Lajuanda and brother-in-law Frank, and her dear sister-in-law Gail. She also mourned the loss of her sons, James, Todd, and Stephen, each of whom remained close to her heart. The memories they shared together brought her comfort throughout her life, and she carried their love with her always.

A viewing to celebrate Joan’s life will be held on September 11th, 2026, at 1:00pm at Blackburn Mortuary in Rangely, Colorado, followed by a memorial service at 2:00pm. Joan will be laid to rest at the Rangely Cemetery after cremation at a later date, where she will find peace among the community and family she loved so dearly.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and CNAs at Rangely Hospital for the incredible compassion and attentive care shown to Joan over the years. Your kindness and dedication made a profound difference in her life, and both Joan and her family considered you an extension of their own, holding a special place in their hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to her favorite charity Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Funeral Services for Joan Brown will be held Friday, September 11, 2026 at 2 PM in Rangely, CO at the Blackburn Rangely Mortuary. A viewing will be held 1 hour prior to service at the Rangely Mortuary.