Jo Ann Brown

JO ANN BROWN

North English

Jo Ann (Joanie) Brown was born Feb. 1, 1942, in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Wesley and Mary Kasha Benyshek. She graduated from Solon High School. Joanie married Earl Leroy Hoffman and the couple had one son, Darrell, before divorcing.

Joanie married James G. Brown Jr. on Nov. 18, 1962. They lived in the Coralville area until moving to Texas in 1977. The couple moved back to Iowa in 2005, and settled in North English. Joanie worked in offices at Iowa Book & Supply, University of Iowa Payroll Department, and RGV Gas Company in Brownsville, Texas. She enjoyed reading, gardening, crafts, playing cards, sewing and loved animals, but hated cooking. Joanie also enjoyed volunteer work and the Red Hats. Joanie died Monday, Feb. 3, 2014, at the English Valley Care Center in North English. She lived 72 years.

Joanie is survived by her son, Darrell Hoffman of Bruce, Wis.; a stepson, Mark Brown of Coralville; three grandsons; a stepgranddaughter; a great-granddaughter; a great-grandson; a sister, Marcella (Clete) Klein of Tiffin; a brother, Victor Benyshek of Clarence; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and three siblings.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North English. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time Saturday. Pastor Edwin Jordan will officiate.

A general memorial fund has been established.

Messages and tributes may be left at www.powell

funeralhomes.com under obituaries.