JoyAnn Cary

Joy Ann Brown Cary, 95, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2025, in St. George Utah. She was born August 4, 1929, to Ray Joshua Brown and Melba Fotheringham. She married Douglas James Cary in Evanston, Wyoming on April 18, 1946. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on April 18, 1979. 

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, the third of four children and the only daughter, she was the apple of her father’s eye. Raised in Draper, Utah, she knew the hardships of farming during the Great Depression, but her family rose from those hardships, with her father Ray Joshua Brown constructing a comfortable home for the family thanks to his early career at Kennecott. Her family’s changing circumstances taught her the values of hard work, tenacity, and ambition that she would carry with her throughout her life.

Opposites attracted when she met the kind, gentle, and handsome Douglas James Cary. They were the quintessential high school sweethearts and got married quick, but enjoyed a lasting, loving, 55-year-long marriage until Doug’s death in 2001. Together they raised eight children in Draper, Utah, who, in-turn, went on to bless Joy Ann with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great grandchildren before her own passing this year at age 95.

She was a talented homemaker and gardener. Whether as a young family in Draper, as empty-nesters in Pepperwood, or as retirees in the red-rock desert of St. George, her extravagant gardens were the envy of all. The only thing she may have loved more than her plants, were her pets. She rescued and cared for countless animals throughout her life, including cats, dogs, and a vagabond raccoon or two.

She was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various callings throughout her life. Residents of Draper, Sandy, and finally St. George, Utah, Doug and Joy Ann purchased an historic pioneer home which he lovingly remodeled and expanded himself as a gift to her to enjoy their later years. She and Doug loved to vacation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and eventually took their dream vacation to Denmark and Germany.

Joy Ann is survived by her children Susan Patten (Lee), AnnaLee Carlson (AJ, deceased), Debra Larsen (Richard), Daniel (Paulette), Michael, and Linda Schiffman (Michael). She was preceded in death by her husband Doug, her son James Douglas Cary, her daughter Jan Patricia Cary Schneider, and her brothers, Glenn Ray Brown, Robert Lee Brown, and Dennis Dean Brown. 

Graveside services will be held on February 7, 2025, at 1:00pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 E. 10600 S., Sandy, Utah, under the direction of McMillan Mortuary.  Joy Ann’s family wishes to thank the many people who served Joy Ann over the years, especially the Saint George 17th Ward—your many visits and selfless service have made you all angels on earth. Thank you also to Southgate Senior Living in St. George, and Michelle and others at Atlas Hospice, who all treated her so kindly, gave her extra special care, and were so caring and thoughtful to her in her last few days.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Utah Humane Society or your local animal shelter.