Joseph Edwin Brown. age 71 of Cordele, Georgia died unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at Piedmont Healthcare in Macon, Georgia.

He was born on August 4, 1954, in Charleston, SC.

Joseph is survived and missed by his loving wife, LaJuanna (Bonnie) Lumley Brown of 49 years; and his children, Ilia Durham (Steven), of Bonaire, GA and Brittany Ekkel of Cordele, GA. Forever cherished and remembered by his sister Linda Rushton (Authur), of McCormick, SC, three grandchildren, Hagan Ekkel, Hunter Ekkel, and Rhett Durham, a niece, Joanna Sconyers (Chet), Soperton, GA, a sister in law and brother in law, Teresa and Donnie Cammack, and a nephew, Joshua Cammack (Nicole), all of Soperton, GA .

Joseph was predeceased by his father, James Edward "Shorty" Brown and his mother, Helen Brantley Brown Gillis. He was also predeceased by his in-laws Joe and Glynece Lumley, sister, Ann Meyers, his sister and brother in law, Marsha and Richard Ware.

He grew up in Soperton, GA, where he met and married his high school sweetheart, LaJuanna  "Bonnie" Lumley. He played sports at Treutlen County Schools until a motorcycle accident at the age of 14.  Нe was a member of the Treutlen High Band where he received the honor of Most Outstanding Band Member.  Some of his greatest joy came from his children and grandchildren. He volunteered as a coach and umpire for girl's softball and attended many of his children's and grandchildren's activities. He took an active role in the lives of his grandchildren by always sharing advice on life skills and caring for them as his sons. He loved taking them camping, hunting, and fishing and attending their sporting activities. He viewed his children and grandchildren as his greatest achievements in life.

Joseph had several professions throughout his life. He began working at the early age of eight in his father's auto repair shop and with his grandfather on many construction projects.  At 16, he worked a summer job with Riverside Concrete in East Dublin and when school started he took a night job at Oxford Industries, in Vidalia, GA.

After graduating high school from Treutlen County in 1972, he attended Brewton Parker College in Mt. Vernon, GA, where he was a member of the Concert Band, the Brass Ensemble, and the Pep Band. After Brewton Parker College, he transferred to the University of Georgia where he was a member of the Redcoat Marching Band, the Pep Band and has remained an active member of the UGA Redcoat Alumni Band.

In 1975 he accepted the position of Division Manager with Belk-Matthews in Vidalia, GA. He held several positions with Belk that included General Merchandise Manager of the Milledgeville, GA store and Area Merchandise Manager of the Belk-Hagans group based in Albany, GA.  While in Milledgeville, he served as treasurer of the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Milledgeville Rotary Club, President of the Hatcher Square Mall Merchant Association and President of the Belk Girls Wear Association.  He was nominated as an Outstanding Young Man of America.  After 30 years with Belk, he retired as Store Manager of the Americus, Georgia store in 2005.

After retiring from Belk Incorporated,  he accepted the position of Deputy Director for the non-profit organization of Southwest Georgia United Empowerment Zone, Inc. He served in this capacity for over 20 years and until his death.

He was raised as a Master Mason in Harmony Lodge #405 F & AM in Soperton, GA in 1980 and went on to serve as Junior Steward of Benevolent Lodge #3 in Milledgeville, GA and was a three-time Worshipful Master of Cordelia Lodge #296, in Cordele, GA. From 2017 to 2023 he had the honor to serve as District Deputy to the Grand Master of Lodges in Georgia.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Cordele where he had served on the Personnel Committee and on the Board of Trustees.

Joseph had an unquenchable thirst for riding motorcycles and was the Chapter Director for the F.A.I.T.H. Riders motorcycle ministry of First Baptist Church of Cordele, a Charter Life Member of the American Motorcyclist Association, and a member of the Harley Owners Group. He would often spend his spare time building and repairing things for family and friends.

Joseph was never scared to take on new projects or to help a neighbor and did everything to the best of his ability. He had very strong values and was well liked by everyone, mostly due to his positive energy. Joseph had incredible patience, and always made time for family and to help others.

His legacy will carry on forever reminding us that we control our attitudes and that we should choose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service, like Christ modeled for us.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 noon on Saturday, August 30, 2025 in the sanctuary of Boiling Springs Missionary Baptist Church, Soperton, Georgia with Pastor Conway Jones and Pastor Gilbert Posey officiating.

Joe will be laid to rest in the Boiling Springs Church Cemetery with Masonic Honors.

His family will receive friends on Saturday, at the church, from 10:30 am until the hour of service.

Serving as pallbearers will be: Josh Cammack, Jim Brantley, Buddy Brantley, Rodney Meeks, Dusty Meeks, Patrick Crews, Chris Owens and Danny Smith.

Floral tributes are appreciated or contributions may be made in his memory to the Masonic Children's Home, 1417 Nottingham Dr., Macon, GA  31211

Please share a memory, leave a condolence message and sign the online guest register at www.sammonsfuneralhome.com

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