Jo Alene Brown (84) was born on November 25, 1935, in Ft. Cobb Oklahoma to Joe and Gladys Bryson. She passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s disease and Covid-19 on Saturday, August 15, 2020, at Autumn Ridge Assisted Living in Kerman, Ca.

Jo Alene spent her younger years growing up in Oklahoma until the family moved to California and settled in the Kerman area. She attended Kerman High where she fell in love with Joe Brown. They were married following her graduation in 1953. They moved to Madera shortly after and she lived here until 1 year ago when she moved back to Kerman to live at Autumn Ridge.

Jo Alene worked at Italian Swiss Colony/ Heublein Winery for 30 years. After her retirement, she and Joe loved traveling in their RV. Going to the desert every winter where they joined up with many family members and friends.

Jo Alene was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Gladys Bryson, husband of 48 years, Joe Brown, daughter Karen Baca, and brothers Martin (Bud) Bryson and Keith Bryson.

She is survived by her son David (Geri) Brown of Madera, sister Carole Bryson of Oregon, grandchildren, Courtney Brown, Matthew (Chrissy) Brown, Kelly Molina all of Madera, and Kimberly (Johnny) Ruiz of Santa Maria. 11 great-grandsons, 2 great-granddaughters, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

We would like to thank Autumn Ridge Assisted Living and Optimal Hospice for the excellent care they gave to Jo this past year. She loved Nurse Ginger and we can’t thank her enough for her special friendship and loved towards mom.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2020, from 4-7 pm at Jay Chapel.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, August 21, 2020, at Arbor Vitae Cemetery at 9:30 am

Remembrances may be made in Jo Alene’s honor to the Madera County Historical Society or to the Alzheimer’s Association.