Joyce Elaine Simpson Brown

Joyce Elaine Simpson Brown, 89, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025 surrounded by loved ones after a long and full life. Joyce was born on February 27, 1936, in Attwood, California, arriving unexpectedly on the kitchen table with her sisters Agnes and Alice lovingly in attendance.

Joyce spent her childhood living with her mother, Anna Belle Simmons and two of her brothers, as they followed her father, Elwyn White Simpson, to various job sites where he built dams and bridges. 

Joyce married the love of her life, James Richard Brown, with whom she shared 65 beautiful years of marriage. They met in England while both were serving missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints —the love story began when Jim, upon his departure from England, had given Joyce a “referral card” with his name and address in Denver, and told her to come visit him, which she did. They were married in 1960, together, they raised their family and built a rich, service-filled life in the Salt Lake Valley. 

A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Joyce is survived by her husband, James and their four children — James Scott (Ann), Kimberly Belle (Glen), Christopher Ian (Wendy), and Nathan Daniel (Kari) — as well as 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her tremendous joy. Joyce was preceded in death by her mother, Anna Belle Simmons; father, Elwyn White Simpson; sisters Agnes Beitler and Alice Parrish; and brothers James Pratt, John Simpson, and Alexander Simpson. 

Joyce lived a life of faith, study, and service. One of her greatest loves was studying the scriptures and the words of the prophets, which guided her daily life. She served seven different missions for the Church, both in ward and stake callings, even ministering to the Jewish population in Los Angeles. However, the highlight of service was when she and Jim had the sacred privilege of serving as mission leaders in both the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1994-95) and the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (1996-99) missions, touching countless lives with their leadership, wisdom, and compassion. 

Joyce served for fourteen years at the Church Office Building in downtown Salt Lake City as a hostess, leading walking tours and sharing her love for history and the city she called home. She also worked seven years as a docent at the Church History Museum, after which she was called to work for LDS Family Services helpline for four years. She also developed a passion for interior design, attending design school and loved to create spaces that reflected her creativity and style. 

Beyond her service, she enjoyed traveling with friends, finding delight in new places and shared memories. Every winter, she cherished spending time at the beach in Southern California, where walking on the shore brought her peace. 

Joyce found great joy caring for those around her and her dearest friends were her many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She loved walking, gardening, skiing, visits with family, temple worship, genealogy, and the simple beauty of everyday moments. Her life was defined by faith, loyalty, and unwavering devotion to the people she loved. 

She will be deeply missed, yet her legacy of love, service, genericity, and faith will continue to inspire all who knew her. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the meeting house of the Top of The World Ward located at 8100 S Top of the World Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. Visitation will be prior to the service from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.. Interment will be at Memorial Holladay Cemetery on 4900 S Memory Lane, Holladay, Utah. 

Zoom broadcast of the services will be available at that time by the following link:https://zoom.us/j/99379975412?pwd=apNraAvnBZyyNG2DR2DaIjiLTgkZTl.1

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that in Joyce’s honor that you extend an act of kindness or act of service to someone in need this holiday season.