Joann U. Brown's Obituary
Joann U. Brown, 87, Gulf Hammock, Florida went to be with the Lord on January 26, 2026 at Ayers Health and Rehabilitation Center in Trenton, Florida. Joann was born May 29, 1938 in Okeechobee, Florida to her parents Elbert Upthegrove and Rachel (Yates) Upthegrove.
Joann originally moved to Wildwood, Florida from Haines Creek in Lake County, Florida in 1970. She lived in Wildwood until her late husband Charles (Cooter) Brown’s death in 2021. She then moved to Gulf Hammock, Florida to be with her son and daughter-in-law. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Oxford, Florida. Joann was very involved with her church family.
Joann taught clogging to those who wanted to learn how to clog. She enjoyed making wood crafts for fairs and festivals throughout the state. Playing marbles with her family and friends was a favorite indoor activity but her flower garden was her great love.
Joann is survived by her two sons: Joey Sparkman and his wife Joella of Gulf Hammock, FL and Dennis Sparkman and his wife Darlene of Bristol, VA; two daughters: Tawny Brown- LaTorre and her husband Wilson of Lititz, PA and Lisa Blackburn of Lake Panasoffkee, FL; eleven loving grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her cherished daughter, Samantha Sparkman-Gomez and her beloved husband, Charles “Cooter” Brown.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at Banks, Page-Theus Funeral Home, Wildwood, Florida. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 10:00AM at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Paul Watson officiating. Burial to follow the service at Greenwood Cemetery, Wildwood, Florida.
The family has requested donations to be made to Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Oxford, Florida.
Arrangements are entrusted to Banks/Page-Theus Funerals and Cremations, Wildwood. Online condolences may be shared at https://www.bankspagetheus.com.
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