Joanne Clayton was born to the late John E. Clayton and Colentha Jackson Wilson on October 24, 1948, in Utica New York.

Joanne and her family moved to Belle Glade where she grew up as a child and attended school in Palm Beach County, attending Lake Shore School Middle/Senior High. She was the oldest sister of five children. At an early age she was given the role of taking care of her siblings while her parents worked in the fields. She also worked in the fields traveling up to New York to provide for her family.  On October in 1963 Joanne birthed and welcomed a baby girl and named her Tara. After the birth of her daughter, Joanne married and welcomed four sons Rufus Brown, Lewell Brown, Van Brown and Michael Brown.

Joanne spent many years serving at St. Paul Church Of God In Christ as a member and as a cook (along beside her mother Mrs. Tut ). She was known to be an excellent & exceptional cook not only for her family but for her friends and community as well. Joanne cooked every single day & huge Holiday meals (Breakfast & Dinner) by herself for her entire family. She would feed and deliver dinners to anyone that was hungry. Her motto was "if they are hungry, give them something to eat". She also served and assisted at the Lighthouse organization.

On Thursday, Feb 15, 2024, God shifted the atmosphere, and Joanne went home to eternal life. She was predeceased by her father John Clayton; mother and stepfather, Colentha and Freddie Wilson; son, Van Brown Jr; brother, Eddie B. Clayton; and a sister, Tina Wilson. Her memories will forever live in the hearts of all that loved and adored her.  Joann leaves behind to cherish her children Tara Clayton, Rufus Brown, Lewell Brown (Tanisha), and Mike Brown (Charlotte). Siblings, Bertha Wilson, and Anthony Wilson.  Twelve Grandchildren, great grands and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.