Joann Maxwell Brown

BAXTER CHAPEL-Beverly Joann Brown, cherished matriarch and beloved homemaker, passed away peacefully at her home in Baxter, TN, on February 3, 2025. Born on December 20, 1937, in Cookeville, TN, Beverly lived a life dedicated to her family, her faith, and her community.

Throughout her years, Joann was an integral member of the New Home Baptist Church, where she devoted her time and energy working in the nursery, as well as participating in the G.A.'s and Act Teens programs. Her unwavering commitment to her church and its young members was a testament to her nurturing spirit.

Joann's family was her pride and joy. She is survived by her son, Rick (Tina) Brown; daughters, Beverly (Marlin) Haggard and Karen Knowles, all of Baxter. She also leaves behind her brother, Harold (Becky) Maxwell of Cookeville, and sisters, Dorothy (Gene) Jolicoeur, Edith (Jerry) Rector, Barbara (Hildon) Wilmoth, and Debbie (Charles) Bean, all of Cookeville. Joann took immense joy in the company of her six grandchildren—Matt (Brittany) Haggard, Jacob (Erica) Haggard, Kelsey (Dustin) Buck, Noah Knowles, Levi Brown, and Tia (Reno) Bo—and eight great-grandchildren—Millie Jo Haggard, Brailey Haggard, Camden Haggard, Addilyn Haggard, Grayson Haggard, Daxton Buck, Drew Buck, and Benny Bo. Known fondly to many as Mama Jo, she was celebrated for her warmth and exceptional cooking skills, creating an enduring legacy of love and family connection.

Joann was preceded in death by her parents, Hollie Vaden and Naomi Florilla Gentry Maxwell; her husband of 62 years, Floyd Millis Brown, who departed on September 24, 2019; her sister, Ruth Gibbons; and her brothers, Earl and Lenell Maxwell.

Visitation will be held at New Home Baptist Church, located at 10350 Old Baxter Road, Baxter, TN, on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and again on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 PM. Bro. Charlie Wills will officiate.  Interment will follow in New Home Baptist Church Cemetery. There will be no visitation at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Matt Haggard, Jacob Haggard, Camden Haggard, Marlin Haggard, Noah Knowles, Dustin Buck and Levi Brown.

Joann Brown’s legacy of love, faith, and family will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. As we celebrate her life, we remember a woman who embodied kindness and devotion in every aspect of her being.

Baxter Chapel Hooper-Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (931)858-2134. You may share condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com