Joan Lee Brummond

August 18, 1936 - September 11, 2020

Joan Brummond, 84, died on September 11, 2020 in Cheyenne. She was born August 18, 1936 in Spearfish, South Dakota. Joan was a 5-foot tall, 95-pound dynamo of insatiable curiosity who didn't graduate high school until after becoming the mother of three children and working as a teacher's aide in the elementary schools. Her passion for learning inspired her to get a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and overcome many challenges to earn a Master's Degree in Education. She became a reading specialist for the State of Wyoming, ultimately culminating in receiving the Wyoming Teacher of the Year Award and being honored by President Bill Clinton at the White House. As a teacher, Joan went to where her warm heart, generous spirit, and skills as a reading instructor were needed, including the Wind River Indian Reservation. She was an educator in every sense of the word, not just in the classroom, and led all those around her to experience the wonder of the world and joy of human connection. Joan shared such gifts as watching caterpillars become butterflies, making noodles from scratch, and starting a good fire in the fireplace. For Joan, first and foremost, her family was always her greatest achievement. Those lucky enough to be born into her family and who, by happenstance, got caught up in the whirlwind of her unconditional love, benefitted greatly from her wisdom, good humor, and support. Joan is survived by her children, J.C. Brummond (Carol), Brynda Peterson, and Ted Brummond (Laura); grandchildren, Emily, Madison, Nate, and Delaney Brummond; Ryan, Skuyler and Kierra Peterson; Meghan and Jaden Brummond; great grandchildren, Kobe and Zariyah Peterson; brothers, Mike (Ruby) and Casey (Terri) Stephens; and numerous other nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joan was preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy Brummond; son, Steven Brummond; grandson, Kristofer Peterson; and parents, Viola K. and Clifford Stephens. Visitation will be Friday, Sept. 18, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel. Services will be Saturday, Sept. 19, 9:30 a.m., at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel, with burial to follow in Cheyenne Memorial Gardens. Services and burial are for family members only. To view a live webcast of the services please visit Joan’s obituary page at www.wrcfuneral.com. An open reception will follow the services and burial on Saturday. Please visit Joan’s personal website at www.welovejoan.net for details. In lieu of flowers or gifts, we suggest donations, in Joan’s name, to the Laramie County Library Foundation. With your tax-deductible contribution ($25 minimum) the library will purchase a book or entertainment media. You may wish to specify an area of interest from which the library will try to select the material. Acknowledgement of your memorial gifts are acknowledged to Joan’s family. A printed plate bearing Joan's name and the name of the person who made the purchase, is placed on each gift. For more information, please contact Kristi Wallin, Director, Laramie County Library Foundation.