Joan B. (Brown) Ulrey

Joan Brown Ulrey, 88

PLAINFIELD, IN. - Joan Brown Ulrey passed away May 27, 2018 at her Cumberland Trace residence in Plainfield. Born December 12, 1929 in Casey, Illinois, she was the daughter of Robert William Brown and Louise Button Brown. She married Lee Dean Ulrey on September 10, 1950 in Casey, Illinois.

After graduating 1st in her high school class in 1947, Joan attended Eastern Illinois University for 2 years. Joan returned to college as she raised her family, graduating in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Evansville. She earned a Master of Arts degree from DePauw University in 1975.

A long-time educator, Joan taught elementary school in Greenup, IL, and Evansville and Avon, IN. After her retirement, she taught adult basic education, and worked with a literacy project teaching many adults to read. A member of Plainfield United Methodist Church, she taught Sunday school and vacation bible school and served on many committees. She was a member of the American Association of University Women and Delta Alpha Gamma sorority. Joan assisted with the opening of the Red Door Preschool at United Church of Christ in Evansville.

Joan is survived by: her sister and brother-in-law Linda and Robert Cox; three sons and daughters-in-law: Donald N. and Patty Ulrey, Jerrold L. and Patricia Ulrey; Thomas R. and Sandy Ulrey; two daughters and sons-in-law: Kathy J. and Rick Mayes; Jean U. and Rodney Kirk; 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her husband Lee in 2008, daughter Leslie Ulrey Haring, grandson Matthew Lee Mayes, and three brothers Robert Brown, William Brown, and Troyt York.

Visitation will be 11am to 1pm Thursday May 31st at Plainfield United Methodist Church at 600 Simmons St. Funeral services in the chapel will begin at 1pm with burial to follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Plainfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Plainfield United Methodist Church Missions Group or DePauw University Bonner Scholarship Fund. 

The family is thankful to the Cumberland Trace staff for their care of Joan over the last 3 years.

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