Arlene Brown Joslin

A California native who moved to Tennessee in 1963, she was a beloved member of her community and universally loved by those who knew her. She was born in Long Beach California on August 16, 1934. As the daughter of a naval officer, she traveled extensively growing up, moving 22 times in 18 years, living not only in California but also Hawaii, Washington, West Virginia and Connecticut. She spent her last two years of high school in Rome, Italy, graduating from at Marymount International School. While in Rome, she had an audience with Pope Pius XII. After graduation the family moved to Lake Forest Illinois, where Arlene attended Lake Forest College for two years. In her junior year, she transferred to UCLA and graduated in 1958 with a BA in Art. She was an active member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority at both universities, and was also a member of the Phi Alpha Chi honorary music fraternity. She had an opportunity to sing with her music fraternity at the Hollywood Bowl in Hollywood, California, and was presented with an award by Ronald Reagan. After graduation, she moved to San Francisco, and two years later joined US Special Services and was sent on a tour in Germany. On her tour she met the love of her life, David Lynn Joslin, a Dyersburg native, and they married in Nuremberg, Germany on May 5, 1962. The couple honeymooned in the Alps and on the French Rivera. Arlene and David moved back to El Paso, TX in 1962, and then relocated with their newborn daughter Kathleen to Dyersburg in 1963.

Arlene combined her love for children with her love of art and worked as an art teacher for many years at Humboldt Junior High School, Northside High School, and the Episcopal Day School (University School of Jackson). Later, she served as the Jackson Recreation and Parks Department’s Director of Community Education, then took a position at the Center for Adult Reading and Enrichment (CARE) where she spent 11 years working in an adult literacy program. In her 80s, she returned to work at the Therapy and Learning Center daycare facility, where working with children again brought her much happiness and purpose until the age of 86.

Arlene and David were long-time members of Northside Church in Jackson, where they both sang in the choir and were involved in Sunday School classes and study groups. Arlene was a member of the Jackson Symphony League, and an active member of the Northside Lioness Club for many years.

She found much joy in her relationships, and was warm, inviting and kind to everyone she met. Her favorite pastime was spending time with her beloved family, always saying that her greatest gifts in life were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As an art major, she had an eye for beauty in all things. She was an avid gardener, known for her beautiful flowers, and she enjoyed antiques, travel, reading and music.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Commander Reginald Obie Brown and Helen Louise Hunter Brown, her husband David Lynn Joslin, and her niece Vicky Louise Blake.

She is survived by her daughter Kathleen Louise Joslin and her son Matthew David Joslin (Erin); her beloved grandchildren William Chase Cantrell (Melissa), Joshua David Cantrell, Callie Cantrell Bennett (Aidan), Luke Edward Joslin, Troy David Joslin, John Bake Hurst (McKenzie) and Aidan Brock Hurst (Abigail); her great-grandchildren Breck William Cantrell, Ella Chase Cantrell, and Braden Jay Hurst; her sister Susan Brown Turner; her niece Holly Leigh Turner Eriksen (Thomas), her nephew John Christian Turner; her beloved caregiver and companion Angie Bryant, and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who brought her great joy.

Her positivity, kindness, humor, quiet strength and zest for life will live on as her legacy for those who loved her.

A service to celebrate the life of Arlene Brown Joslin will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Northside Church, 2571 North Highland, Jackson. Burial will follow in Ridgecrest Cemetery. The family will receive friends and loved ones on Wednesday evening, June 25, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons. The family will receive friends again on Thursday at the church, one hour prior to the service. A celebration will follow at the home of Kathy Joslin at 762 Lakewood Dr. E. in Jackson. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to The Therapy and Learning Center in memory of Arlene Joslin.