Mrs. Joetta Eleanor Martin Brown

Joetta Eleanor Martin Brown was born on December 2, 1942, to Eugene T. Martin Sr. and Valrie Anderson Martin in Monroe, LA. She was the second of four children and the oldest daughter. She left this world peacefully on June 3, 2021, at age 78 and was preceded in death by her parents, brothers-in-law Edmond Brown, Johnnie Brown, Lionell Brown and Matthews Thomas, and sisters-in-law Anesa Brown and Margaret Martin. Joetta is survived by her husband Gary Lane Brown of Opelousas, LA, her son Gary Grimes Brown of Brunswick, GA, two daughters of choice Yudona Thomas of Houston, TX and Alysia Richard of Opelousas, LA, two sisters Marian (Clement) Simien of Opelousas, LA and Eurydice Thomas of Ville Platte, LA, one brother Eugene T. Martin Jr. of Minden, LA, two brothers-in-law Charles Brown of New Orleans, LA and Floyd (Karol) Brown of Houston, TX, one sister-in-law Dale B. Williams of St. James, LA, two special grandchildren Jada Battle and Zoey Thomas of Houston, TX, nieces and nephews Betthany (Derrick) Shaw of Dallas, TX, Christopher Simien of Opelousas, LA, Damian Thomas of New Orleans, LA, Eugene T. Martin III of Minden, LA, Jamayne Williams of Gonzales, LA, Joshua Thomas of Natchitoches, LA, Michael Simien of Houston, TX and Zaharias Soileau of Dallas, TX, and numerous other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, relatives and close friends. Joetta accepted Christ at an early age and truly embodied the Christian ideals of love, caring, sharing, protecting and serving. She attended elementary and high school in Ouachita Parish, where she excelled academically and as a star basketball player. Much of her education was in a school where her father was the principal and her mother was a formidable English teacher. Joetta handled that pressure admirably. She attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA and obtained her college degree in Home Economics. She was an excellent seamstress and designer. Joetta taught briefly in the Ouachita Parish School System but soon accepted a position with the state of Louisiana as a welfare visitor. This is the position that resulted in the move from north Louisiana to south Louisiana, a real cultural shock. At the time of her employment, she was the third Black person hired in St Landry Parish in positions that were previously only available to White applicants. Subsequently, she and the other Black employees faced opposition from the administration, co-workers and even clients. She was one of the trailblazers for Civil Service careers. After Joetta left St. Landry Parish, she worked as a civil rights specialist for the Louisiana State Division of Civil Rights in Baton Rouge, LA, seeking justice and working around the state to end discrimination in state service and in state institutions. During the latter part of her career, she became the Human Resources Administrator at several hospitals in what was then the Charity Hospital System. There were stints at University Medical Center in Lafayette, LA and W.O. Moss in Lake Charles, LA. After retiring, she worked with the private sector and volunteered with several non-profit service organizations in Opelousas, LA and Port Arthur, TX. Joetta was married to the love of her life, Gary Lane Brown, for 36 years. Her devotion was complete. She was the consummate counselor, able to listen without judgment and offer the best, most sensible advice. She could be tough when necessary, which earned her the nickname “Sarge”. She was supportive, helpful, selfless, devoted, and loyal to a fault. No one suffered if she knew about it. Joetta was simply the best- the best daughter, the best mother, the best wife, the best sister, the best aunt, and the best friend one could have. Rest in peace until we meet again. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, June 12, 2021, at 11 AM at Opelousas Family Worship Center located at 403 Compress Road in Opelousas, LA. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Project Purple Inc.(for support of pancreatic cancer patients and the fight to end pancreatic cancer) at https://www.projectpurple.org. The family would like to thank Dr. Laura Braham and the staff of The Family Clinic of Opelousas, LA for their care, compassion, and dedication. Share words of comfort with the family of Joetta Eleanor Martin Brown on her Permanent Life Tribute Page at www.williamsfuneralhomes.net. Be the first to post your most treasured memory of Joetta. Show your support by sharing a personal message or story, meaningful photo or video, or record a video message using your webcam. On behalf of the family, we encourage you share your personal experiences and preserve the memory of Joetta Martin Brown for future generations to come. Final arrangements entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas, 817 E. South Street, 337-942-2037.

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Mrs. Joetta Eleanor Martin Brown

December 2, 1942 - June 3, 2021