Joyce Elaine (Newkirk) Brownfield, 82, long-time resident of LeRoy, Kansas, passed away Wednesday morning, October 14, 2020, at Midland Hospice House, Topeka Kansas.

Joyce was married to Darrell Brownfield on July 15, 1956. Darrell preceded Joyce in death, May 24, 2019. Joyce is survived by her daughter, Trudy (Scot) Edson of Lenexa, Kansas. Two sons, Marty (Tammy) Brownfield of Topeka, Kansas and Michael Brownfield of Webb City, Missouri. Joyce was also preceded in death by daughter, Cindy Carlton, in 1998 and a granddaughter Wendy Carlton in 1997, her parents Newell and IIlas Newkirk, sister Willa Grubbs, brothers Merle Newkirk, Jack Newkirk, Darrell Newkirk and Don Newkirk. Other survivors include nine Grandchildren, Matthew Stohs, Joshua Stohs, Rhiannon McMurray, Lisa Klaver, James Carlton, Ariele Brownfield, Sydney Brandenburg, Abby Brownfield, Kate Brownfield. Three Great Grandchildren, Addison Scarrow, Gannon Scarrow, and Jackson Stohs.  Many nieces, nephews and friends.

After graduating from Burlington High School Joyce married Darrell and settled in LeRoy in a small apartment above her in-laws grocery store.  Joyce served as an administrative assistant for the Principal at LeRoy High School and later held the position of City Clerk for the City of LeRoy. In 1974 Joyce became co-owner of Brownfield Grocery purchased from Darrells parents.  Serving the community for twenty three years, the pair closed the store and retired in 1997.  Joyce clerked in the store and was a tremendous partner to Darrell as she filled in as chief stock clerk and part time butcher.  Joyce maintained the inventories, the weekly orders and kept a sharp eye on all financials for the store. Her attention to detail followed her to the home as her recipes were always spot on and her beef and noodles and cherry cheese cake were sought after by all of her family and friends.  Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners were always cherished by Joyce and she loved having her family home.  Joyce was always a provider for her family. Willing to correct when needed but was never ending in providing for each child in a very precise and significant way.  Collecting pecans from their numerous trees, Joyce would crack, separate and bag pecans to raise funds for their Christmas gifts. Joyce loved her community and committed her time to set on and preside over the LeRoy Cemetery Board. In providing dignity and respect, Joyce's concern over rain and snow lead her to raise funds for the construction of a shelter at the cemetery.  Joyce loved gardening, her roses and was so proud of her dogwood tree.  Her ongoing love of humming birds was thought of more by her family and not necessarily by her.  Joyce loved time after dinner on the front porch, greeting those who passed by and sitting with Darrell. She will be greatly missed.

A memorial for Joyce will be held at a later date through Jones Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be made to the City of LeRoy, PO Box 356 LeRoy KS 66857 for care of the LeRoy Cemetery.