If you ever find yourself in the The Harbor at Renaissance’s lounge when laughter rings out and smiles light up the room, chances are, Joyce Brown is nearby. Born and raised amid the rolling hills and quiet charm of Culpeper and Rappahannock, Joyce is the only child of Gid and Elizabeth Jenkins—who, by all accounts, poured their hearts into raising her. Sundays as a child were spent dashing across grassy fields, joyfully tangled in games with cousins and neighborhood friends. Those afternoons are still some of her fondest memories.



Through the hallways of both Culpeper High and Rappahannock High, Joyce walked with dreams of nursing stitched quietly into her heart. But fate had other ideas, leading her to a respected role as bookkeeper at Culpeper Farmers Co-Op—a place where her meticulous nature and warmth made her well known in the community.

It was also in those high school years that she met Tommy Brown, the boy who would become her partner for life. Years of easy friendship blossomed into love, and eventually into a marriage that has lasted an extraordinary 56 years so far. Together, Joyce and Tommy built a life full of adventure, never missing the chance to pack a bag and see something new. Virginia Beach remains her favorite destination, its ocean breezes and soft sand stitched through her happiest memories. The Caribbean called to them too, offering turquoise waters and bright mornings aboard cruise ships—a testament to their shared spirit of discovery.

Since joining our Harbor family, Joyce has thrown herself into everything we offer, but there’s something extra special about seeing her light up when it’s time for Bingo. Whether she’s marking cards or sharing a laugh with friends, Joyce’s joy is undeniable.

It isn’t just her stories or adventures that make Joyce special—it’s the genuine warmth in her voice, the kindness in her eyes, and most of all, that radiant, contagious smile. Spend a few minutes in her company, and you’ll feel like you’ve known her all your life.