On July 31, 2025, Joann Gennett Brandon, 49, of Newport, departed from this world. Josephine Brandon gave birth to her in Newport on May 15, 1976.
Joann was a lively and vivacious woman who filled every space she walked into with laughter and joy. She loved her family very much and was happiest when they were around. Joann’s kind heart and gregarious nature made everyone feel welcome, whether they were laughing at a family fish fry or playing Spades around the table.
She had a genuine love for cooking and frequently fed the bodies and souls of people she cared about. She also enjoyed playing bingo and fishing. She also enjoyed listening to music, particularly R&B, which she frequently sang or danced to.
Many people adored Joann as a mother, grandma, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. We shall always remember and treasure her kind heart, contagious smile, and profound affection for everyone in her vicinity.
She leaves a legacy of fun, love, and treasured memories. Even though Joann is no longer with us, her spirit endures in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Her father, Joe Roddy; mother, Josephine Brandon; brother, Jerome Brandon; son, Demarius Peel; granddaughter, Olivia Peel; and a beloved cousin, Latonya Johnson Ellis, all passed away before her.
Her sons, Trevon Peel (Skylar) of Newport and Cecil Peel Jr. of Newport, her daughters, Tiana Brown of Little Rock, Sekyla Peel of Newport, and Quaneshia Brandon of Newport, her brothers, Joe Brandon of Newport, Dennis Lockhart (Cheryl) of Fresno, California, and Lacey Thomas of California, as well as her sisters, Latrice Brandon, Crystal Brandon, and Carolyn Tucker, all of Newport, her grandchildren, Jaeveon Humphrey, Aubrianna Humphrey, Eliza Peel, Journi Peel, and Kashton Brandon, and her special cousins, Tracy Johnson, Felicia Ross (Eric), and Barbara Harris, survive her.
