Rev. Joel Williams Brown, age 88, passed on to his heavenly home on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. Born in Durham County, NC, he was the son of the late Charles Whitley and Sarah Eunice Williams Brown. Joel moved to Greenville, NC at the age of four and attended Greenville Elementary School  and Third Street Elementary School. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1954 and then attended Duke University and later graduated from East Carolina University with a Science Degree specializing in chemistry and physics. He joined the United States Army in 1958 and received a Guided Missile Degree in 1959 as well as attended Defense School at Fort Bliss, TX. He completed his service in Washington, DC and was honorably discharged in 1961. Over the years, he  worked as a science, physics and chemistry teacher with Greenville High School, NC State Research Specialist in soil and water projects, General Electric Lamp Division and retiring from the City of Goldsboro. In 1980, Joel attended Heritage Bible College and received ordination in 1981. He served the Lord, ministering in four churches…Piney Grove, Union Grove, McDaniels Chapel and Unity in Mt. Olive. In his later years, he worked with Walmart in Rosewood and thoroughly enjoyed 18 years welcoming all that entered the doors of the store and took much pride being the “people greeter”.

A Graveside service, with military honors,  will be held Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro, NC with Pastor Danny Johnson officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday, September 3, 2024 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the funeral home.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Frances Rowland Brown; his sons, Gary W. Brown & wife, Christine, Myron C. Brown & wife, Kelly; his grandchildren, Savanna S. Brown, Madison S. Brown and Wilson J. Brown.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Charlie Brown, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to Goldsboro Worship Center, 900 W. New Hope Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534.

Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Brown family and online condolences can be directed to www.shumate-faulk.com

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