Laura "Jo" Josephine Brown

Laura Josephine Hoffman Brown (known to most as ‘Jo’), who turned 94 on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, passed into the more immediate presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

She was born on March 12, 1931 in Winston-Salem, the 3rd child of Claude McKinley Hoffman and Mary Elizabeth Hanes Hoffman. She was preceded in death by both parents, and all 4 of her siblings, Robert H. Hoffman, Jean Smith, Donald Hoffman and Daphne Ruth “Sue” Hoffman. Also preceding her in death were her husband of 51 years, Kenneth Ray “Red” Brown; and her daughter-in-law, Terri Brown. She is survived by her children, Beverly Brown (Steve Siegel) and David Brown (Lisa Myers); her grandson, Seth Brown (Brittany); nieces, Betsy Baldwin, Meredith Hoffman, and Lisle Pearman (Stephen); and a nephew, Hanes Hoffman. She leaves behind a host of friends and church family.

Immediately after graduating from RJ Reynolds High School she went to work for the Bassick-Sack company. Through the years the company was sold about 4 times but Jo remained. She was still working full-time from home in her 77th year of employment with the company, currently known as Dorma Kaba.

Jo was a lifelong member of Christ Moravian Church where her grandfather, Robert Lee Hanes, was a charter member. She cherished all the Moravian traditions and was very devoted to her church. She and Red were members of the Sam Marx Sunday School class where they enjoyed many years of fellowship and fun. At the time of her death she was on the church board and several committees. She was also President of the Women’s Fellowship and kept the nursery. The weekend prior to her death she had organized the Day of Prayer service. Her true passion was visiting those who were shut-ins and unable to attend church.

Jo loved to entertain in her home. She was happiest when able to feed and be surrounded by her family and friends. Her sweet tea and pecan pies are legendary, as were her dinners. At Christmas she made candy of many kinds to give as gifts, most notably her turtles. She loved to give of her time and talents. If she visited you, most likely some kind of treat came in hand.

Jo was blessed to live a full, healthy, active life. She still lived independently, drove, cooked, worked and kept her house immaculate. No grass grew under her feet. Ever.

There will be a visitation at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 6-8pm. A memorial service will be held at 1pm Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Christ Moravian Church, followed by burial at God’s Acre in the cremated remains section.

The family wants to acknowledge the kind, compassionate care of Novant Palliative Care and KB Reynolds Hospice House where she spent the last 5 days of her life.

Memorials can be made to Christ Moravian Church, 919 W. Academy St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.