Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

May 27, 2026

CHARLOTTE - Joanne Brown LeDoux, beloved wife, gifted pianist, composer, music teacher, encourager, and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, May 27, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband Milton faithfully by her side. Her life was one of extraordinary talent, quiet humility, enduring perseverance, and unwavering faith.

Born on July 1,1956, in DeRidder, Louisiana, into a minister’s family, Joanne was the daughter and third child of Rev. Luther Harrison Brown and Laurelle Chancellor Brown. From an early age, it became evident that Joanne possessed an uncommon musical gift. She began learning music as a young child and quickly demonstrated abilities that amazed those around her. She could effortlessly transpose music into another key on the spot, sit down at the piano and play by ear or by sight reading, and she could create melodies and accompaniments with remarkable ease and creativity.

After graduating from DeRidder High School in 1974, Joanne earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from McNeese State University with a focus in piano, and later received a Master’s Degree +30 in Music Education from Texas A&M Commerce. She taught elementary music in public schools, but her true life’s calling was ministry through music.

She married Rev. Milton Ray LeDoux, also of DeRidder, on June 20, 1987, and the couple moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where Joanne became an essential part of the music ministry at First Baptist Church of Charlotte from 1987 until 2009, and at Trinity Baptist Church of Fort Worth until 2019. While many knew Milton as Minister of Music, those who served closely alongside them understood that Joanne was a quiet strength and creative force working faithfully behind the scenes. She helped in selecting music, arranged and transposed musical scores, assisted orchestra members and vocalists, taught piano students, helped plan worship, and contributed countless unseen hours to the production of worship services and the church’s renowned seasonal productions.

Though Joanne possessed immense musical talent, she never sought recognition or the spotlight. In fact, she was naturally shy, though many would never have realized it because of her warmth and ability to make others feel comfortable and valued. People were drawn to Joanne. She had a remarkable gift for encouragement and helping others discover their own purpose and abilities. She instinctively knew how to engage and connect to people, nurture their gifts, and make them feel needed, accomplished, and appreciated.

Joanne especially loved working with children and young people. Directing children’s choirs and youth choirs brought her tremendous joy. She considered developing young musicians and encouraging others in their musical abilities among her greatest accomplishments. Her influence extended far beyond the walls of any single church service or rehearsal room, as generations of musicians, singers, and worship leaders were shaped by her patient guidance and encouragement.

As a composer, Joanne’s contributions were extraordinary. She wrote most of her songs with lyricists Betty Wilson and Milton LeDoux. She authored several hundred published pieces of music, including piano works, choral arrangements, children’s anthems, and full-scale children’s musicals that have been used in churches throughout the country. Her music was distributed by major publishers, including Lifeway, Genevox, Kirkland House, Lorenz, Choristers Guild, Abingdon Press, Word Music, and Celebrating Grace. One of her hymns, set to the Rae Whitney text, “Oh What a Wonder It Is,” was included in the 1991 edition of The Baptist Hymnal, allowing her music ministry to reach congregations nationwide.

Yet as remarkable as Joanne’s musical accomplishments were, those closest to her would say her greatest testimony was her faith and perseverance. At only one year of age, Joanne developed retinoblastoma, a rare and deadly form of eye cancer. She lost her left eye as an infant, but her right eye was miraculously saved, making her one of the earliest successful retinoblastoma survivors in the country. Doctors continued monitoring her condition throughout her life. In 1997 her remaining vision suddenly deteriorated significantly, leaving her legally blind. Though this limited some of her directing responsibilities, it never diminished her spirit, creativity, or desire to serve others. Even through physical hardship, Joanne continued accompanying choirs, teaching students, mentoring children, composing songs, and helping individuals until her passing.

A seven-time cancer survivor, Joanne faced trials that would have overwhelmed most people. Yet she carried herself with grace, humor, cheerfulness, and unwavering trust in God. She rarely focused attention on her own suffering and instead spent her energy uplifting others.

Above all else, Joanne loved the Lord Jesus Christ. Every accomplishment in her life was humbly laid at His feet. She lived to honor Him through her music, her ministry, her kindness, and her daily life. Her faith was not merely expressed in the songs she wrote but in the compassion she showed, the encouragement she offered, and the joy she carried despite hardship.

Joanne is survived by her devoted husband, Rev. Milton Ray LeDoux of Charlotte, North Carolina; two brothers, Dr. William Randall Brown (Rebecca) of Texarkana, Texas, and Dr. Robert Neal Brown (Carla) of DeRidder, Louisiana; along with 3 nephews, Brannon Brown (Melanie) of Denver, Dr. Ryan Brown (Dr. Elaine) of Shreveport, and Eric Brown (Torie) of Baton Rouge; 2 nieces, Katie Williams (Paul) of DeRidder, and Jessica Temple (Patrick) of Shreveport; 7 great nieces, Emily Williams, Anna Williams, Sadie Williams, Caroline Temple, Lucy Temple, Evelyn Brown, and Betsy Brown; and 4 great nephews, William Brown, John Parr Temple, Emery King, and Kayden Johnston.

While words can scarcely capture the depth of Joanne’s influence or the beauty of her spirit, her legacy lives on—in the music she composed, the musicians she mentored, the people she encouraged, and the faith she faithfully lived each day.

Her final resting place will be DeRidder, Louisiana, with a private interment at Beauregard Cemetery.

There will two memorial services celebrating her life: 3:00 p.m., Friday, June 5, at First Baptist Church of DeRidder, Louisiana, 2030 Hwy. 171, with visitation at 2:00 p.m., and additional visitation following the service. 

A second memorial service will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at The First Baptist Church of Charlotte, North Carolina, 301 S. Davidson St., with visitation at 2:00 p.m., and additional visitation following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Missions fund of First Baptist Church of Fort Mill, South Carolina, 121 Monroe White Street, Fort Mill, SC 29715

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.