Joel Brown, Sr., 42, of Alexandria, Louisiana, passed away at his home on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. He was born on January 7, 1984, in Pineville, Louisiana, to Joseph Nelson, Jr., and Vera Mae Brown.
Joel attended Bolton High School and worked as a car salesman, a fitting career for someone who loved cars. Away from work, he enjoyed listening to music, going fishing, and playing cards, especially spades.
Outgoing, outspoken, and hardworking, Joel was a family man through and through. His family often said you had to know him to love him. Whenever someone in the family found themselves in a tough spot, Joel was the one they called. His family will remember the way he showed up for them when they needed him most.
Joel was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Nelson, Jr., and Vera Mae Brown. He was also preceded in death by his aunt Irene Brown, who was like a mother to him, his grandmothers, Georgia Mae Nelson and Dorothy Lee Brown, and several aunts and uncles.
Joel leaves to cherish his memory his companion, Yolanda Green, and his three sons, Algernon Green, Joel Brown, Jr., and Jo’Shun Brown. He is also survived by his siblings, Kadron Kirk, Shelby Brown, Melanie Hall, Dexter Hall, Farrah Sewell (John), Joe Ray Hall (Sandra), and Joseph Nelson, Jr. Kim Brown, Keandrea Brown, and Ashley Brown were raised alongside Joel as siblings. He also leaves his stepbrother, Dewayne Lair, and his uncles, Roy Nelson, Charlie Nelson, James Roberts, Sherman Brooks, Leonard Williams, and Frank Turner, along with other relatives and friends.
Visitation and Funeral Service
Public viewing and visitation will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Both will take place at Greater New Zion Baptist Church, 3019 3rd Street, Alexandria, Louisiana71302.